Be mindful of elder abuse

At a young age, many of us are taught to respect our elders, for they have spent their lives caring for us and contributing to the society in which we live today. As valued members of our communities, our elders deserve the utmost care and appreciation.

Elder maltreatment is a significant public health problem; June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of adults older than 60 are abused, neglected or financially exploited. In the United States alone, more than 500,000 older adults are believed to be abused or neglected each year. These statistics are likely an underestimate because many victims are unable or afraid to tell the police, family, or friends about the violence. Every five seconds, an elderly person is abused in the United States.

The health and well-being of our elderly population must be brought to the forefront of societal concerns. We must protect their health, safety and rights and treat them the same way we would hope to be treated ourselves.

There are specific indicators that may help point to a problem:

Ÿ Untreated injuries, bruises, burns, sprains or dislocations, scratches and cuts;

Ÿ Sudden changes in behavior, unusual depression and/or withdrawal in social settings;

Ÿ Tense relationships/frequent arguments with the caregiver or a caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors;

Ÿ Dehydration, unusual weight loss, poor hygiene, untreated health problems, unsafe living conditions; and

Ÿ Sudden changes in financial situations: bank account/banking practices, the inclusion of additional names on a victim’s bank signature card, unauthorized withdrawal of the victim’s funds using the victim’s ATM or credit card, and abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents.

It is time to reflect on what we are doing to support our elderly.

Kathy Patrick

President, Home Helpers

Elgin