According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, the definition of elder abuse refers to intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or “trusted” individual that causes (or potentially causes) harm to a vulnerable elder.
Most common categories of abuse are: Neglect, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Emotional or Psychological abuse and Neglect (including verbal abuse and threats), Abandonment, Self Neglect, and Financial Abuse and Exploitation. Best known estimates available are that approximately 700,000 to 3.5 million older Americans are abused, neglected, or exploited each year.
Who is at risk? Elder abuse can happen to anyone-a loved one, a neighbor, and when we are old enough, it can happen to us. Elder abuse affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, cultures, and races. Elder abuse can occur anywhere: In a person’s own home, in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other institutional settings, and in hospitals.
According to statistics from the NCOEA, woman and older elders (80 years old and older) are more likely to be victimized, and mistreatment is most often perpetrated by the victim’s own family members. Many victims are reluctant to report abuse and some are unable to speak out due to dementia or other impairments and may not be believed when they do. This is why it is viewed as the “Invisible” problem. This causes reluctance in many victims and they fail to report the abuse because they may feel ashamed and embarrassed, particularly if a family member is the abuser, they may be afraid that the abuser will get “in trouble”, worry that once they report the problem, the abuse will get worse.
Elder Abuse like all other interpersonal violence occurs behind closed doors and it is time that this serious problem is brought to the forefront. What can you do to prevent elder abuse? Report suspected mistreatment to your local adult protective services agency or law enforcement. If you believe that an elder is in a life threatening situation, contact 911 or the local police department immediately.
To learn more about this issue, visit the National Center on Elder Abuse website at www.ncea.aoa.gov or call 302-831-3525.
For more local information about Elder Abuse contact our Senior Center Administrative offices in Donaldsonville 225-473-3789 and Gonzales 225-621-5750.
Nanette Daigle
Administrative Assistant
Ascension Council on Aging
