Know the signs of elder abuse

From all outside appearances, 80-year-old Shirley seemed well cared for by the niece who had moved in a few months earlier. She even told her friends how she was enjoying the company and the help around the house.

Shirley had always been frugal with her credit cards, using them only when needed. So when the bank called to ask her about some recent, unusual charges on her account, she was alarmed. She was even more surprised to find out that the charges were made by the niece she had welcomed into her home.

Throughout June, Home Helpers and other agencies dedicated to preserving the safety and dignity of seniors are working to cast a light on the many forms of elder abuse, some of which aren’t visible to the naked eye. Elder abuse can take many forms. It’s a term used to describe intentional physical, emotional, sexual or financial mistreatment of a person 60 or older.

While it is not uncommon, it is hard to know just how prevalent elder abuse is in the United States. That’s because it is believed that much of it goes unreported. As in Shirley’s case, abuse often is suffered at the hands of a trusted loved one. In many cases the abuser has some degree of power and control over the victim. They might also feel hopeless and unable to ask for help, fearing abandonment or retaliation by the relative or caregiver who is mistreating them. At the very least, the victim might fear losing the companionship and help of the person who is mistreating them.

Whether you are a caregiver, an acquaintance or a neighbor, it is everyone’s responsibility to keep an eye out for signs of mistreatment.

Elder abuse is not a family matter that is “none of my business.” It is a crime whose victims often have more concern about the consequences for the abuser than they do for their own safety.

Home Helpers’ caregivers are trained to spot the signs of elder abuse and required by law to report them. Doepke encourages anyone who sees signs of abuse to do the same.

If you suspect an older person is experiencing any of the signs and symptoms listed above, turn it over to the professionals and let them investigate the situation.

• Physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment: Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, burns
• Emotional abuse: Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness or unusual depression; strained or tense relationships; frequent arguments between the caregiver and older adult
• Financial abuse: Sudden changes in financial situations, unexplained expenses or charges, missing possessions
• Neglect: Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, unusual weight loss
• Verbal or emotional abuse: Belittling, threats, or other uses of power and control by individuals

Elder abuse also can be a sin of omission. Failing to help a senior who is not taking care of himself, also known as self neglect, is a form of abuse that can happen on its own or as a result of other forms of mistreatment. It’s estimated that self neglect plays a role in about half of all cases of elder abuse.

In DuPage County, suspected cases of elder abuse should be reported to DuPage County Human Services at (800) 942-9412. In Cook County, call Aging Care Connections at (708) 354-1323.