| If you or someone you know is in a life threatening situation or immediate danger, call 911 or the local police or sheriff. |
| WHAT IS ADULT/ ELDER ABUSE? In general, adult/elder abuse refers to intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or “trusted” individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder or disabled adult. Physical abuse; neglect; self-neglect; emotional or psychological abuse; financial abuse and exploitation; sexual abuse; and abandonment are considered forms of adult/elder abuse. |
| World Elder Abuse Awareness DayEvery year on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day(WEAAD) is commemorated in America and around the world. Through WEAAD, we raise awareness about the millions of older adults who experience elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. As many as 1 in 10 older Americans are abused or neglected each year and only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse ever comes to the attention of authorities. Read more… |
| Watch out for: Schemes and Scams | See Local: Dementia Friendly Training |
| Familiarize yourself with the Red Flags of Elder Abuse: Neglect or Self-Neglect • Lack of basic hygiene, adequate food, or clean and appropriate clothing • Lack of medical aids (glasses, walker, teeth, hearing aid, medications) • Person with dementia left unsupervised • Person confined to bed is left without care • Home cluttered, filthy, in disrepair, or having fire and safety hazards • Home without adequate facilities (stove, refrigerator, heat, cooling, working plumbing, and electricity) • Untreated pressure “bed” sores (pressure ulcers) Psychological/Emotional Abuse • Unexplained or uncharacteristic changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, other • Caregiver isolates elder or adult (doesn’t let anyone into the home or speak to the them) • Caregiver is verbally aggressive or demeaning, controlling, overly concerned about spending money, or uncaring Financial Abuse/Exploitation • Lack of amenities victim could afford • Vulnerable elder/adult “voluntarily” giving uncharacteristically excessive financial reimbursement/ gifts for needed care and companionship • Caregiver has control of elder’s or adult’s money but is failing to provide for their needs • Vulnerable elder/adult has signed property transfers (Power of Attorney, new will, etc.) but is unable to comprehend the transaction or what it means Physical/Sexual Abuse • Inadequately explained fractures, bruises, welts, cuts, sores or burns • Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases |
| WHO IS AT RISK? Adult/Elder abuse can occur anywhere – in the home, in nursing homes, or other institutions. It affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, cultures, and races. Based on available information, women and “older” elders are more likely to be victimized. Dementia is a significant risk factor. Mental health and substance abuse issues – of both abusers and victims – are risk factors. Isolation can also contribute to risk. |
| WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT ABUSE? Report your concerns. Most cases of elder abuse go undetected. Don’t assume that someone has already reported a suspicious situation. The agency receiving the report will ask what you observed, who was involved, and who they can contact to learn more. You do not need to prove that abuse is occurring; it is up to the professionals to investigate the suspicions. |
Faith in Action of Marathon County 