Patricia Woloch asked:


 

In our country, we have set aside a day in June (June 15) called “Elder Abuse Awareness Day”. This day is intended to raise awareness of abuse towards our older adult and is recognized by health care professionals, support groups and organizations all around the world, not just in our country. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), elder abuse is the term used to define any “knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm to a vulnerable adult.”

According to statistics, most of the abuse against our senior citizens takes place in nursing facilities, retirement homes and hospitals across the nation. Sadly, abuse of an elderly person’s finances is the most common form of abuse. The other forms are: physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and abandonment.



Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is the use of physical force that results in bodily injury, physical pain or impairment. Acts of abuse against the elderly may include striking with a hand, beating, pushing, shaking, kicking and burning. Force-feeding is another tragic form of abuse that our elderly suffer every day. Signs of physical abuse include:

· Bruises

· Burns

· Broken bones

· Abrasions

· Open wounds or cuts

· Torn clothing

· Sudden changes in behavior

· Sores



Sexual Abuse

Unbelievably so, sexual abuse does occur in the very place we put our elderly loved ones to be cared for. Sexual abuse is considered non-consensual contact and can include unwanted touching, rape, sodomy and unwanted sexually explicit photographing. Signs of sexual abuse include:

· Bruises around breast area

· Bruises around genital area

· Bleeding from vagina

· Bleeding from anus

· Torn or blood undergarments



Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse involves the infliction of pain or intimidation on the elderly. Signs that your loved one is being emotionally abused include:

· Being upset, agitated

· Mood swings

· Appearing fearful

· Avoiding social contact with others

· Unusual behavior



Neglect

· Malnutrition

· Dehydration

· Bed sores

· Poor hygiene

· Untreated health problems

· Unsanitary living conditions



Abandonment

Sometimes the elderly are simply deserted by individuals who are supposed to be taking care of him or her. The elderly are often left at hospitals or public places, such as shopping center, churches or parks.



Patricia