Every year as many as 10% of older adults are reportedly abused by a family member. It should be stressed that the statistic is based on reported incidents of abuse, so the prevalence of elder abuse is likely greater than the numbers indicate. The elderly are a particularly vulnerable population for a number of reasons. They are faced with mounting health problems, dwindling financial resources, shrinking social networks and a diminishing capacity to meet their daily needs. As a result, they must rely on professional caretakers or family members to help them through their daily routines.
Elder abuse is a complicated term that has yet to be adequately defined in the eyes of the law. Along with physical and emotional abuse, the elderly are susceptible to some types of abuse that could lead to life or death circumstances.
Financial exploitation
Most elderly individuals rely on a limited income, usually a retirement fund or social security payments. As a result, they may be forced to live with their children or other family members to make ends meet. Family members may take it upon themselves to "take care" of the finances by taking over bank accounts and household budgets, thereby allowing them to spend freely without consequences. Family members could also petition for power of attorney, which give them further power to take control of properties and other assets of the elderly individual. When these resources are tapped dry, they are left with nothing and family members who may turn to other forms of abuse to rid themselves of the burden of caretaker.
Neglect
The elderly have to face diminishing physical health and cognitive impairments, which makes their dependence on family members for meeting their daily needs more complete. Their caretakers may fail to administered necessary medication on schedule, causing further deterioration of health. They may intentionally forget to bathe or feed their charges, something vital for those who can no longer perform those activities on their own. Sometimes abusers will utilize especially cruel methods of humiliation, such as waiting until their charge has already soiled themselves to help them to the toilet. This creates an additional layer of helplessness and shame over the inability to control basic body functions. In their weakened states, the elderly would not be able advocate for themselves and sometimes are not even aware enough to understand they are being neglected.
Isolation
The elderly also have a constantly shrinking social network, thereby increasing their isolation from social supports that may help mitigate effects of abuse at home. Health issues also complicate matters by making it more difficult for them to be able to go out without assistance. Even when they are able to speak to friends, the elderly are often ashamed to share abuse that may be occurring because they don't want to admit they can no longer take care of their basic personal needs. They may also feel that they deserve the abuse because their abusers ridicule them for their weaknesses.
What you can do to help, contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1-866-999-9085 to talk to an experienced elder abuse and neglect attorney.
