|
| |
What is elder abuse and what can I do about it?
Because elder abuse is a growing problem, state governments have set up elder abuse hotlines to help.
Elder abuse refers to any knowing, intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk to a vulnerable adult. Abuse may be:
Physical - Inflicting or threatening to inflict physical pain or injury or depriving an elder of a basic need.
Emotional - Inflicting mental pain, anguish or distress on an elder through verbal or nonverbal acts.
Sexual - Nonconsensual sexual contact of any kind.
Exploitation - Illegal taking, misuse or concealment of funds, property or assets.
Neglect - Refusal or failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care or protection.
Abandonment - The desertion of an elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person.
Self-neglect - Self-neglect accounts for the majority of cases reported to adult protective services. It can include behaviors such as hoarding, failure to take essential medications or refusal to seek medical treatment for serious illness, leaving a burning stove unattended, poor hygiene, not wearing suitable clothing for the weather, confusion, inability to attend to housekeeping and dehydration.
(Source: National Center on Elder Abuse)
|
