- Who this episode is for? Caregivers and aging adults concerned about undue influence and the instances of physical, mental, financial, emotional or sexual abuse of an older adult.
- Topics covered in this podcast: How to spot the warning signs of elder abuse and where to get help.
Elder abuse is a prevalent issue affecting 1 in 10 seniors annually, with family members, often adult children or spouses, being the primary perpetrators. Various forms of abuse exist, including financial, physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as neglect and abandonment.
Recognizing signs of abuse is crucial, as many cases go unreported. Warning signs might include unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, or unusual financial transactions. Legal and support systems are in place to protect seniors. Reporting suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, or long-term care ombudsmen is essential.
Individuals can take preventive measures by staying connected with loved ones, planning for financial security, and being aware of potential scams targeting seniors. Resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Tennessee-specific helplines are available for victims and those concerned about elder abuse, and I’ve included these resources in the show notes.
Definition of elder abuse: Elder abuse is defined as “an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult” (age 60 or older).
Nearly half (47) percent of all calls reporting elder abuse involved family members as the perpetrators. That’s according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. The majority of elder abuse is committed by family members, and in particular adult children. Other common culprits are people in positions of trust or power, such as agents under Powers of Attorney and caregivers.
This is a significant issue that we are going to talk about in this episode. Indications of these cases are increasing as many as 1 in 5 senior adults have experiences some form of elder abuse. Only 1 in 24 cases of abuse are reported to authorities.
Would you know how to recognize elder abuse? Do you know what to do if you see it? What if you are the victim of some form of exploitation or abuse? How do you protect yourself? We are going to talk about that and more in this episode. Plus, I’d appreciate if you’d listen until the end to hear a few stories that can help you grasp the severity and importance of this topic. Information is power.
Most important: If you or an older adult that you know is in an immediate, life-threatening danger, call 9-1-1.
More helpful resources for you
https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-elder-abuse/
https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/office-of-patient-care-advocacy/older-and-vulnerable-adult-abuse.html
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