Elder Abuse
How to spot the signs of elder abuse
Elder abuse and neglect is a growing problem among aging populations. The World Health Organization's accepted definition of elder abuse is "a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship with an expectation of trust that results in harm or distress in the older person."
Types of Elder Abuse
As with all forms of abuse, elder abuse comes in many forms, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse. However, there are two types of abusive acts which are specific to elderly victims: financial abuse and neglect.
Financial elderly abuse occurs when an elderly person is coerced into relinquishing control over his or her financial affairs, or when abusers make unauthorized use of the elderly person's money or property. Frequently, the abuser fraudulently obtains power of attorney over the elderly person's finances, then usurps complete control over the elderly person's assets.
Neglectful abuse occurs when an established or expected caregiver deprives the elderly person of adequate food, heat, clothing or essential medications. This type of abuse is frequently paired with financial abuse, as the abuser withholds these vital things from the elderly person until financial demands are met.
Recognizing and Stopping Abuse of the Elderly
Abusers of the elderly can be anyone in a position of trust or authority. In some cases, abusers take the time to build a relationship with the elderly person to make it easier both to exert coercive force over the victim as well as conceal it.
While nursing home abuse of the elderly isn't as prevalent as many people believe it to be, homes for the aged continue to be one of the most common venues where such abuse occurs. In actual fact, though, the victim's own family members are the most common perpetrators of abusive acts. Caregivers, including home nurses, volunteers and professional practitioners, are also significant abusers of the elderly.
Generally speaking, tension or arguments between the victim and the caregiver can signal a potentially abusive relationship. Also, look for significant changes in the personality or behavior of the elderly person that are not related to any known illness or medical condition.
Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, bruises, wounds, poor hygiene, changes in wills, significant withdrawals from bank accounts, evidence of over- or under-medication, unpaid bills, untreated injuries or illnesses and signs of physical restraint can all signal the potential abuse of an elderly person at the hands of a trusted caregiver. An elder abuse lawyer is especially helpful in fighting back, particularly if the abuse is financial in nature or occurs at a nursing home.
