ELDER ABUSE: Is It a problem?

Most of us would rather not talk about elder abuse. The truth is, society can no longer afford to close our eyes to the issue. As many as 1 in 20 older adults are victims of abuse.

• Elder abuse happens everywhere across the country, across the state, even across the street! You can do something about this problem, but first you must recognize it.

Abuse takes many forms. Most of us think about physical abuse, mistreatment such as hitting or pushing. Abuse may also include: sexual abuse, including rape and sexual harassment; neglect,which is the failure to provide for basic needs such as food, shelter or medical care; or, exploitation, which involves someone taking money, goods or property that an older person needs.

What should I look for?

ELDER ABUSE is not always easy to identify. People are often afraid, ashamed, or unable to ask for help. Watch for:

Bruises and broken bones in unusual places, or that occur repeatedly. Weight loss Confusion or disorientation. Unpaid bills, utility shut-off notices or lack of food, clothing or essentials Stained or bloody underclothing. Continued sadness or depression, lack of interest in activities or sleep disorder.

Poor hygiene, dehydration or malnutrition, inadequate or unsanitary environment.

What can I do about ELDER ABUSE?

If you suspect mistreatment of an older person, you should call the Area Agency on Aging. Even if you are not positive that abuse or neglect is occurring, but you are concerned about the well-being of a person over the age of 60, you should call and report your concerns. REPORTS ARE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL. By law, your name will not be mentioned during the investigation.

In Pennsylvania there is an Older Adult Protective Service Law. Highlights of the law include:

24 hour availability

Voluntary reporting, except for employees of nursing homes, personal care homes, domiciliary care homes, home health agencies and adult living centers in Pa.

Court orders for involuntary intervention if the person is unable to understand the consequences of their decisions, and is in imminent risk of death or serious physical harm.

Immunity from liability for reporters who have acted in good faith.

When you call the Area Agency on Aging to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation, a specially trained person will ask you necessary questions to complete a report of need. A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine if protective services are needed. A person may be in need of protective services if the person meets all of the following conditions:

• 60 years of age or older
• needs help from another person to met needs for health and personal safety
• has no responsible caregiver
• imminent risk of death or serious physical harm.

If these conditions are found to exist, help will be offered to protect the victim, stop the abuse and prevent it from happening again.

The type of help available through protective services will depend on the individual needs and what the person is willing to accept. If a person refuses help, it may only be provided if there is a court order to do so. Examples of help may include arranging for overnight shelter, medical care or food. It may also include counseling, home delivered meals, money management or personal care.

If abuse or neglect have not occurred, but the person is in need of help, the staff person will refer the person for other Agency services, or for services to other organizations for services or help.