Elder abuse is on the rise. It’s estimated that 4 million elders are abused or neglected in the United States each year. We need to do all we can to prevent elders from falling prey to such exploitation.
Too often, we hear about seniors exploited by their caregivers or relatives, the very people who are supposed to have their best interests in mind. This type of abuse can be especially hard to detect, and the elder may not speak up because of fear or feelings of loyalty. That’s why it’s important to recognize signs that an elder in the community is being abused and know what to do when we think it’s happening.
Older adults suffering from depression and social isolation may be particularly susceptible to abuse. If they live alone, they can easily be more willing to talk to whomever calls on the phone, including telemarketers and potential scam artists.
People in low spirits are also less likely to pay close attention to finances. Seniors are often targeted by scam artists and left financially devastated. Each year, this form of exploitation costs victims $2.9 billion in the United States. It is not unusual to hear stories of retirees losing their life savings after falling for criminals’ clever tricks on the Internet, through mail or on the phone.
Elders suffering from dementia are at an even greater risk of exploitation. According to a 2010 study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, more than 47 percent of participants with dementia were subject to abuse. Other potential targets include elders whose health has recently declined or who are entirely dependent on others for day-to-day living.
While the following signs are not necessarily indicative of elder abuse, it’s important to take a serious look at what may be behind them. Unexplained injuries, changes in appearance, problems with hygiene, fearfulness and depression may be warning signs. Unexpected financial worries, missing financial documents — including checks — and being short on money are also reasons for concern.
While no one wants to think a family member is abusing a loved one, the vast majority of abusers are relatives. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, 90 percent of the perpetrators in elder abuse cases are adult children, spouses and partners. If a senior’s caregiver acts overly protective or dominating, there is also good cause for suspicion.
We all need to be vigilant when it comes to possible elder abuse and need to report it when it comes to our attention. According to the National Research Council, only one in 14 cases of elder abuse ever come to the attention of authorities.
There are many state agencies and organizations dedicated to preventing exploitation of our elder Mainers. The Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services and the Eastern Area Agency on Aging in Bangor are wonderful resources to serve and support elder Mainers. Suspected elder abuse can be anonymously reported to Adult Protective Services by calling 800-624-8404 or through Maine Relay at 711.
Elderly Mainers deserve to age with dignity and in safety. If we educate ourselves as a community, we can do more to ensure they are able to do so.
Rep. Arthur “Archie” Verow, a Democrat, is serving his first term in the Legislature and represents most of Brewer. He is a retired Brewer city clerk, and he serves on the Transportation Committee.