Elder abuse is a reality for 1 in 10 American seniors. Researchers estimate that people only report 1 in 14 cases. Family, friends, and caregivers are all possible perpetrators of elderly abuse towards seniors living at home. While not a new occurrence, researchers expect elder abuse reporting to increase along with an increase in older populations. Seniors will naturally want to protect themselves, and family members can learn about signs to look for and report if family or paid caregivers are engaging in it.
Types of abuse
Exploitation of seniors for their money can be the most insidious type of abuse, because due to the senior receiving care, attention and affection, it looks consensual. Financial abuse accounted for approximately 30 percent of elderly abuse in a 1996 study. It is difficult to pinpoint when family members are the perpetrators, due to their complex dynamics with the senior and other relatives.
Concerned relatives can keep in mind that financial abuse involves withholding and controlling resources, such as taking a senior’s disability or social security checks. Perpetrators may get seniors to sign over property or financial control under duress or altered mental states. Sometimes financial abuse comes with other forms of abuse, such as neglect, physical and verbal or emotional abuse. Disabled seniors and seniors with dementia or seniors who are otherwise dependent are also at risk for the second most common type of abuse: physical. Contrary to popular belief, however, it is the more independent seniors with financial and physical independence who experience pure financial exploitation. Abusers take advantage of continuing this appearance.
The solution? A relative asking to take a look at expenses and documents would be more out of concern than nosiness. Alternately, you can get an accountant or a lawyer. Seniors get a second or third opinion and that’s always a good thing.
Elder abuse laws
Interventions to reduce senior abuse by caregivers involve psychological screening of caregivers and state laws regarding the necessity of investigating and reporting abuse. It is state law rather than federal law that addresses elder abuse. The elder abuse statutes in forty-eight states and the District of Colombia mention financial abuse but differ in its definition and accountability. They also differ as to whether there’s protection specifically for seniors or all incapacitated or vulnerable adults in general, whether financial abuse must consider the senior’s decision-making ability and what age constitutes seniority. Seniors and their loved ones can report abuse via a local Adult Protective Services office.
Prevention
- practicing good healthcare
- creating a living will or setting up a power of attorney
- periodically reviewing your own will
- getting involved in community activities and social support groups
- setting up direct deposit for checks
- taking care of your own mail
- not giving sensitive personal information by phone
Seniors can empower themselves by maintaining personal control over their finances and health as much as physically possible. Studies on caregivers show that they don’t prioritize their own health and so benefit from addressing substance abuse and mental health problems. They also benefit from respite care as a “short break” to reduce interpersonal stress.
themselves or their loved ones until they are presented with an active need. However, when nursing homes host community events, they have the opportunity to make a great first impression with the people in their community before a need ever arises.
Seniors are not exempt from seasonal holiday depression. In fact, they are likely to become depressed during holidays for several reasons. Many of their friends may be far away or may have passed over the last few years, and often they are isolated from social contact with others.
considering a new dog or cat to join the household because each family and pet is different in many ways. A good fit makes for a good outcome, a happy life together for the pet and everybody involved.
In 1985 older adults accounted for 11% of the U.S. population. By the year 2030, that number is expected to rise to 20%. Today, there are more than 46 million Americans over the age of 65, and by the year 2060, that number will more than double to more than 98 million and the elderly will comprise of nearly one in four U.S. residents.
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But there are also other areas of interest that a senior niche community would cater to for the retirees, said Andrew Carle. For instance, in Nashville, Tennessee, there’s a community of elders who are exposed to the country music which appeals mainly to seniors who are either country enthusiasts or were former musicians themselves. 