June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. We wish we didn’t have to have a month to bring awareness to this topic, but it is a reality in the life of seniors everyday. Abuse and neglect can come in many forms. It can be physical, where a senior is mishandled by another person or full out assaulted. It can be emotional abuse, where a family member or caretaker uses rage as a weapon and unloads their anger on an elder. It can also be financial exploitation. A family member might say they are “borrowing” a loved ones credit card, or be using the senior’s funds with the assumption that they have permission. Other types of abuse are sexual abuse, confinement, passive neglect, and willful deprivation. Awareness about elder abuse in our culture can help bystanders assist the senior who is in trouble.

According to the National Association of Councils on Aging, approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse. Some estimates range as high as 5 million elders who are abused each year. One study estimated that only 1 in 14 cases of abuse are reported to authorities.

What are some of the signs of abuse? The victim may have trouble sleeping or become withdrawn, they might suddenly seem depressed or confused or become withdrawn. They might have sudden weight loss or show signs of trauma, like rocking back forth. The victim could have unexplained bruises, burns or scars. They might develop bed sores or just have new personal care issues.

Right at Home Boston North CareTeam members have an annual training to go over the signs of abuse. As mandated reporters in the Commonwealth of MA, all of our staff is trained on how to report elder abuse. An elder that is abused, is more likely than their peers to have more acute health problems. Some of these could result in death. If we see something, we must say something. It is our job as professionals and bystanders to know the signs of abuse and help our seniors.