Domestic Violence Coalition of Oswego County

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Elder Abuse

It is estimated that 1-2 million elderly Americans residing at home are victims of mistreatment or neglect every year. As shocking as this statistic may be, mistreatment of the elderly is not a singular event, but a symptom of a larger problem - an aging population with diminishing resources.

Elder mistreatment occurs in all elements of society; it crosses social, racial, ethnic, economic, and religious lines. Caucasian females aged 70 years and older, especially those with moderate to sever physical or mental impairments, are at the greatest risk.

Mistreatment is not just physical abuse. It may also be mental, sexual, emotional, or financial. It is always a crime and always a violation of human rights.

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR

Acute confusion
Dehydration or malnutrition
Transfer of money, property, and other goods to person(s) elder depends on for caregiving
Hypothermia
Fear, anxiety, depression, helplessness
Bedsores, bruises, contusions, fractures
Suicidal ideation, attempts
Psychosomatic or emotional complaints
Frequent use of emergency services
Is mentally competent but is excluded from decisions regarding their own health, welfare, lifestyle, or finances
Does not receive own mail; it is sent elsewhere

FINANCIAL INDICATORS:

~ Financial deprivation for essentials, i.e. food, medical treatment, drugs, housing or clothing
~ Sudden withdrawals or closing of bank accounts
~ Lack of knowledge about personal finances
~ Reluctance to discuss finances
~ Disparity between income and lifestyle

RISK FACTORS

Physical or cognitive impairment of the victim
Isolation of the victim
Care giver stress
Dependence of the abuser on the victim
History of violence in the home
Pathology or mental incapacity of the abuser

As a group, the elderly are reluctant to report mistreatment. They are dependent on abusive care givers, and may be ashamed to admit what is happening to them. Health care professionals, especially RNs and others who go into the homes of the elderly, are in a prime position to identify victims of elder mistreatment.

Once identified, the Adult Seniors must decide upon intervention, referral, and treatment options appropriate for the involved elder.

Mistreatment may be physical, mental, sexual, emotional, or exploitive in nature. It includes such behavior as:

Neglecting to meet basic needs like food, clothing, or shelter

Failure to give medication as prescribed.

Belittling or insulting remarks.

Keeping an elderly person physically or socially isolated.

Not taking advantage of available supports such as

Meals on Wheels, pastoral visiting, respite care and other social services.

Coercively or manipulatively gaining and maintaining control of all aspects of an elder's life.

Less education

Dim toward care givers/friends

One out of every 14 persons
over the age of 60 may
experience elder abuse

Office of the Aging: 349-3484

Adult Protective Services: 963-5000