Navigating Health and Aging: Guard against elder abuse

While running along the path at Tahoma Farms on Saturday, I was surprised to find inspirational messages and facts about domestic violence written in chalk along the walkway.

Apparently, there was a 5K walk/run to "Stomp Out Domestic Violence" sponsored by the Junior Woman's Club of Westminster earlier in the day.

Messages included "violent behavior often begins between 6th-12th grade" and "change your thoughts, change your world." The messages were educational as well as motivational.

Domestic violence affects everyone — including elders. Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The University of Delaware estimates 2.1 million older adults are subject to abuse and neglect each year. Abuse can take on many different forms, and can include financial exploitation, physical abuse, neglect by a caregiver, emotional abuse and even self-neglect.

Abuse can occur in all social groups, cultures and backgrounds. Vulnerable adults, defined as anyone 18 or older who requires assistance with activities of daily living, are at particularly high risk for abuse. Other risk factors include being socially isolated or withdrawn, if the elder has dementia (research indicates that people with dementia are at greater risk of elder abuse), having mental health issues, having substance abuse problems or if the individual is in poor health.

The highest risk groups include elders 80 and over, women and those who are homebound. Abuse can take place in the home, assisted living, nursing homes or hospitals — although 90 percent of all cases of abuse are believed to be committed by a family member. In 2000, one study interviewing 2,000 nursing home residents reported that 44 percent said they had been abused, and 95 percent said they had been neglected or witnessed another resident who was being neglected.

How do we recognize abuse and what can we do if we are concerned that an elder is being abused? First, be aware of the risk factors. When you are aware of the risk factors, you will notice the warning signs: Financial exploitation is very prevalent with scams, sweepstakes and prizes being offered. Older adults may be encouraged or taken to the attorney to change their power of attorney or their will under coercion when they are not fully able to understand or are unduly influenced.

Physical abuse may manifest as unexplained injuries such as fractures, cuts, burns or bedsores. Emotional abuse may be in the form of controlling, demeaning or aggressive behavior on the part of the caregiver. The elder may become socially isolated, as the caregiver may not allow visitors in the home.

Neglect may take the form of not having access to proper nutrition, hygiene, clothing, medical needs and home amenities such as heat or air conditioning. The elder may be living in dirty or unsafe conditions, or be left alone with health conditions requiring assistance.

What can you do to guard against exploitation or abuse? Maintain contact with family members and friends, have a buddy system, have all of your checks direct deposited and take time to have a trusted attorney review your legal and financial affairs. Hire a daily money manager to help manage finances, designate a health-care representative and financial POA. Do not sign any documents without consulting family members and your attorney. A local resource for finance management is Mary Helen Dennis, who is a daily money manager based in Westminster (410-375-7903).

If you feel that you are being abused or neglected, you can contact your local Adult Protective Services Agency at 410-386-3434. If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are concerned about abuse in your or your loved one's long-term care setting, contact the local Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities Ombudsman Program at 410-386-3800.

For more information on elder abuse, contact The National Center on Elder Abuse at http://www.ncea.aoa.gov or call 1-855-500-3537. Or, visit http://www.helpguide.org/mental/elder_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm.

In closing, I would like to extend a special thanks to the Junior Woman's Club for their work on this project and the educational, informational and inspirational messages.