Elder Abuse
Today, June 15, is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The day was founded in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization and was adopted by the United Nations in 2011. It is a day to raise awareness and promote the prevention of elder abuse. Many organizations extend the event, making June Elder Abuse Awareness Month.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, each year over 10% of Americans aged 65 and older experience some form of elder abuse, however, only 1 in 24 experiences of abuse are reported. Over 90% of abusers are either family members or trusted caregivers. We must all know the signs of elder abuse to help protect the vulnerable adults in our lives. By being aware of the signs, we can all play a role in preventing abuse.
The Wisconsin Statutes define elder abuse as an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an “elder adult at risk,” which is any person aged 60 or older who has experienced, is currently experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation.
The law recognizes four categories of elder abuse, including abuse, financial exploitation, neglect and self-neglect.
Abuse encompasses physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, treatment without consent and unreasonable confinement or restraint. While the first three are pretty self-explanatory, treatment without consent involves elders being given medication or a medical procedure that they did not consent to. Unreasonable confinement or restraint includes confining an elder in a locked room or using physical restraining devices.
Financial exploitation is basically taking advantage of an elder to obtain their money or property. It can include simple theft, abusing authority under a power of attorney, using credit cards without permission, forgery or signing a legal document against their will.
An elder suffers from neglect if a caregiver fails to secure or maintain adequate care, services, or supervision for them, such as food, clothing, shelter, or physical or mental health care. It occurs when a caregiver’s action or inaction creates a significant risk or danger to the individual’s physical or mental health.
Self-neglect is where an elder is responsible for his or her own care but fails to obtain adequate care, including food, shelter, clothing, or medical or dental care, leaving them at risk.
Some forms of abuse are easier to see than others, such as bruising, ligature marks, bone fractures or torn clothing. Unfortunately, other types of abuse can go unnoticed. However, elders can sometimes display concerning changes in behavior or unusual symptoms that may be indicative of being abused. Major warning signs include a lack of interest in social contacts, unexplained changes in mood or behavior, and isolation from family or friends.
Every county in Wisconsin has an Adult Protective Services unit that seeks to promote the safety, independence, and quality of life of adults with disabilities and older adults who are at risk of harm due to concerns of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. APS professionals are trained to assess each situation and offer services and support to promote safety.
If you suspect that an elder is being abused, call your county’s Adult Protective Services helpline or call the Wisconsin Elder Abuse Hotline, where you will be sent to the county of responsibility. The number for the Wisconsin Elder Abuse Hotline is 833-586-0107 or you can file a report online here: https://reportelderabusewi.org/ The identity of the reporter and information reported is confidential and protected by law.
Together, we can beat elder abuse.
Reg P. Wydeven
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