One to two million Americans 65 years of age and older suffer from some form of physical, financial or mental abuse. The figures are not precise, because so many cases of abuse go unreported, and abuse can take on many forms from physical injury, to financial exploitation to neglect. The real tragedy is that most abuse comes from those who are caregivers to an older adult, those who are supposed to be helping – not hurting.
Be vigilant for elder abuse by knowing the most likely victims of abuse:
- A large share of abused elders are what we term the “old – old;” they are over the age of eighty, and while they may not be frail, they cannot as readily defend themselves or even seek out help.
- Abused elders are more likely to be women than men.
- The victim is most often a person who depends on the abusive individual for basic needs; it is most typically not a stranger.
- The victim also may be suffering from a mental illness such as some form of dementia that gets in the way of their protecting themselves or being taken seriously if they complain.
It is also important to know the classic profiles of abusive individuals:
1. Usually the abuser is a family member, the spouse of the victim or an adult child or other relative in the elder’s orbit.
2. The abusive caregiver also may be under stress; caregivers who have their own personal or financial challenges are primed to be abusive.
3. Whether a caregiver or not, the abuser is more likely to have some dependency issues like drug or alcohol abuse.
4. As much as the elder may depend on a caregiver, the caregiver may also be financially dependent upon the elder, especially for money or housing.
Finally, it is important to know what signs to look for. While professional such as health care providers, police or social service agency personnel are required by law to report suspected abuse, we all should be alert. What you can look for:
1. Bruises that may be explained away as a fall
2. Burns that they may say was a kitchen accident
3. Bedsores from a non-ambulatory elder;
4. Onset of depression
5. Sudden change in financial ability;
6. Loss in weight or in some cases weight gain;
7. Any behavior out of the ordinary; or
8. Caregiver arguments with other people.
And remember above all, that an abused elder may choose to suffer silently, because speaking out may jeopardize the care they receive. Or they simply may not want to get the caregiver in trouble. There is help. If you suspect elder abuse, check out the web site of the National Center on Elder Abuse.