The shame of elder abuse does not diminish; it simply escalates so that an estimated 2 million elder Americans suffer abuse: physical, mental, financial. It can occur at home or in a facility. The abuser can be a family member or a hired caregiver.
The situation threatens to worsen; the Census Bureau estimates that by 2030, 1 in 5 citizens will be 65 or older, and by 2050, the 85-plus group will have tripled.
We live in communities where friendships are important and privacy is respected: It is not our business to question what goes on behind closed doors. On the other hand, we should recognize these signs of abuse and make it our business to check them out.
Some clues to look for:
-- Unexplained injuries: bruises, scratches, fractures.
-- Serious and persistent bed sores, signs of improper nursing care.
-- Persistent or chronic infections ---- more signs of improper care.
-- Sudden or chronic weight loss; is food being withheld?
-- Unsanitary living conditions, linens not changed, clutter ignored.
-- Increasing dehydration; is water being withheld?
-- Sexual abuse: unusual bleeding, suspicious injuries, STDs.
-- Repeated wandering; patients who have dementia or Alzheimer's disease may not be monitored correctly.
-- Excessive costs, financial fraud, overcharging on medical bills, etc.
Financial scams and fraud are insidious forms of elder abuse that require alertness and special precautions. Steven Peck an elder law attorney in Los Angeles, California says
"Beware of "fake charities." Call the Better Business Bureau or Attorney General's office if you are suspicious. Ask door-to-door solicitors for a business permit or registration, or just say firmly, "No, thank you."
Be wary of get-rich-quick schemes. Never invest before you investigate. Don't hesitate to call the Department of Corporations at 866-275-2677.
Besides financial scams, elder lawyer Steven Peck lists these categories of abuse: abandonment, false imprisonment, isolation, neglect, physical abuse that includes restraints, and finally, psychological abuse.
Examples are chilling:
A caregiver or new friend pressures you or a family member to hand over power of attorney so he can "help straighten out" finances. It is possible to lie sick, malnourished and suffering with bedsores while a relative is emptying the bank account or an aide is ignoring responsibilities.
A home repairman can be persuasive ---- pay cash on the spot for the great job of home improvement he will do. It happened to us once ---- only once!
The epitome of abuse is when you forget to take your meds and the nurse on duty slaps you across the face. It happened!
If you suspect mistreatment in a nursing or care home, call Steven Peck's Premier legal to talk to an experienced elder abuse and neglect attorney toll free at 1-866-999-9085 or visit us on the web at www.premierlegal.org.
According to a National Study, 84 percent of elder abuse cases go unreported. Why? In some cases, the abuser may be the only caregiver. Other instances are more subtle: for example, adult children who never visit a mother. They are abusing her by leaving her feeling isolated and unloved. Or the nursing home patient who is ignored, treated roughly is often afraid to complain.
We must be sensitive, observant and unafraid to register a complaint. Speak up! You might save the quality of life ---- or even the life ---- of a friend or relative.
