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Hitting an older person,
taking their money or ignoring a health problem are examples of elder
abuse. It can happen to anyone: smart and healthy seniors or those who are
confused, frail and lonely. The abuser can be a caregiver -- a wife taking
care of her husband, a son caring for his elderly mother, or a worker in
a nursing home. Elder abuse can come from a friendly stranger on the
telephone promising a free cruise or a neighborly guy who asks for cash to
repair a leaky roof.
Many people keep abuse a secret. Researchers estimate that for every one
case that is reported, five are not.
Victims often feel ashamed to report that a family member is hurting them,
or embarrassed to admit they were tricked out of their money. And no
caregiver wants to admit harming or neglecting someone they love. But
elder abuse exists and it is on the rise. So its time to do something
about it learn about it, get help for it, report it and stop it.
Signs and symptoms
Elder abuse is complex; there is no one cause. Most
likely its a combination of psychological, physical, social and economic
factors affecting both the victim and perpetrator. The New York State Office of Children and Family
Services compiled the following lists:
The State says that these characteristics may be
signs of elder abuse by a family member or caregiver:
Substance abuse
Unemployment
Lack of knowledge of duties, resources, and/or services
Stress, fatigue and/or dissatisfaction
History of violence
Psychological and/or physical impairments
Poor impulse control
Signs of Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse or Active Neglect:
Bruises, welts, fractures, rope burns, signs of hair pulling
Unexplained STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
Signs of malnutrition/dehydration, weight loss or dry skin
Soiled clothing or bed linens
Unexpected or unexplained health problems
Unexplained paranoia
Excessive fear
Insomnia, sleep deprivation, or need for excessive sleep
Signs of excessive drugging or lack of medication
How to report abuse
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