When we read the public media, it appears that elder abuse and neglect usually occurs in institutional settings. However, statistics and reality do not support this belief. In fact, the National Council on Aging estimates that 1 in 10 individuals over the age of 60 are abused, while only 1 in 14 cases is reported to authorities.
The first step to stopping this endemic practice is to recognize the abuse and neglect. Abuse can be physical, psychological or sexual. Abuse indicates that someone did something to the senior. Neglect is the opposite. It assumes that care or services were withheld from the senior. Neglect can manifest as withholding life-sustaining or routine care or confining the senior to an area or using restraints to restrict their movement. Financial exploitation is another source of abuse and neglect. This is the use of the senior's financial or other resources for the exploiter’s needs rather than those of the senior.
The vast majority of abuse and neglect occurs with individuals who know the senior either as family or friends. 90% of the abuse is from family. 75% of the time the abuser is a spouse or child of the senior. These statistics are validated by the National Council on Aging.
Abuse and neglect can be deadly. It increases the probability of death by 300%. It leads to hospitalization and chronic illness and disability. It zaps the life out of the senior and leads to depression, isolation, and fear for their lives and wellbeing.
When one suspects elder abuse and neglect, it should be reported immediately. It may be done confidentially. Each jurisdiction has different agencies to report to, but, if you go online and search Adult Protective Services, you will find your local agency that handles these issues. Get in touch with us if you are unsure who to contact. You may also call the police, and they will help you through the system.
Seniors are easily preyed upon because of their inability to defend themselves. Their quality of life and safety fall to those of us in the next generation.