older people’s health issues
Preventing and Responding to Elder Abuse
Introduction
Many older people who are abused do not seek help for various reasons. They may feel ashamed and be reluctant to tell others about the abuse. They may be unable to tell others because the perpetrator limits phone calls or access to visitors and health care practitioners. If the perpetrator is the caregiver, older people may feel too dependent on or want to protect the perpetrator, who may also be their adult child. They may be afraid of being harmed further, of being abandoned, or of being forced into a nursing home. Older people should never think that abuse is part of being old or dependent. Being mistreated threatens their personal dignity and sense of well-being and can even cost people their life. Family members and friends can help by maintaining close ties with an older person. Older people who are worried about abuse can take steps to make it less likely to happen, such as the following: Not living with someone who has a history of violent behavior or substance abuse Keeping in touch with friends and former neighbors, especially if they have to move to a caregiver’s house Staying connected with social and community organizations (increasing the chances that abuse, if it occurs, is noticed) Insisting on legal advice before signing any documents related to where they will live or who controls their finances (the local Area Agency on Aging can refer people for legal help) If older people believe they are in danger, they can call an elder abuse hotline for immediate help. A list of all state laws about elder abuse and telephone numbers to call to report abuse are available at the National Center on Elder Abuse (855-500-3537 orwww.ncea.acl.gov). The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (202-872-0888 orUS Aging)is another good source of information and referral. If older people do not feel endangered but still want help, they can talk about it with their doctor, social worker, or other health care practitioner. Relatives, friends, and acquaintances have a responsibility to help if they know of or strongly If Elder Abuse Is Confirmed , as do health care practitioners. Directly confronting the perpetrator is not recommended because it can worsen abuse. Instead, the situation should be reported. Reporting suspected or confirmed abuse or neglect is mandatory in all states if the abuse occurs in an institution and in most states if it occurs in a home. Every state has laws that protect and provide services for vulnerable, incapacitated, or disabled people. Every state also has laws protecting people who report suspected abuse from being sued for doing so. To report abuse, people can contact the following: In most states: The state social service department (Adult Protective Services) In a few states: The state unit on aging For abuse within an institution: The local long-term care ombudsman's office or the state department of health Telephone numbers for these agencies and offices in any part of the United States can be found by calling the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116 orwww.eldercare.gov) or the National Center on Elder Abuse (855-500-3537 orwww.ncea.acl.gov) and giving the person's county and city of residence or zip code. 