{"id":8166,"date":"2024-03-04T14:28:43","date_gmt":"2024-03-04T19:28:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/6c3d125d92.nxcli.io\/baltimore\/elders-and-abuse\/"},"modified":"2024-03-04T14:28:43","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T19:28:43","slug":"elders-and-abuse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carepatrol.com\/baltimore\/elders-and-abuse\/","title":{"rendered":"Elders and Abuse"},"content":{"rendered":"

When someone hears terms like neglect, exploitation, physical abuse, mental\/emotional abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, they probably don\u2019t connect them to the seniors in their life. Our elders have always been the rocks we rely on. Our parents, uncles, aunts, neighbor, boss, or teacher has been the person we looked up to and counted on. To think that as they age, they are vulnerable to abuse, is a startling realization.<\/p>\n

Sadly, 5 million people over the age of 60 experience abuse every year. Roughly 1 in 10 senior adults. Worse, 93% of elder abuse goes unreported.1<\/sup>\u00a0If you are in contact with a senior, be mindful of the indicators of abuse. We all have a role to play to protect vulnerable adults.<\/p>\n

Any strange or sudden changes to an older adult\u2019s behavior is a warning sign. Changes in a senior\u2019s mental state, physical appearance or capability, or unusual financial changes are worth investigating. If you uncover abuse, take immediate action.<\/p>\n

Elders often fall prey to mail solicitations and fundraising efforts. While not necessarily illegal, it’s not unusual to find out that your family member has been sending out hundreds of dollars a month in charitable donations or magazine orders. Other types of money \u201clending\u201d may trip into an abusive situation.<\/p>\n

Neglect can take the form of dehydration or missed medications. Poor nutrition or skipped meals, leading to weight loss or health problems is also problematic. These situations, if caught early, can help an elder from further spiraling into anxiety or depression because of the abuse.<\/p>\n

In the state of Maryland, it is required to report suspected abuse to the office of social services (DSS) or by calling 1-800-332-6347\u00a02<\/sup>. Much like laws protecting children, our vulnerable adults need protection through legal recourse as well. Professionals such as the police, medical providers, and human service workers must report suspected abuse. Abuse can come from many sources, it\u2019s not always a care provider, or a family member causing the abuse, and the abuser may not be aware that what they are doing constitutes abuse, especially in the area around neglect.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, good tools have been developed to help families and friends identify signs and symptoms of elder abuse.<\/p>\n

Use this\u00a0checklist\u00a0\u201cSuspect Neglect of an Older Adult: What to do?\u201d from the\u00a0NCEA\u200b\u00a0and the\u00a0National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA).3<\/sup><\/p>\n

Indicators of elder abuse:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Emotional & Behavioral Signs<\/strong>\n