By Steve McGraw
Homage Senior Services
On June 15, the United Nations recognized World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, more than 1 in 10 elders may experience some type of abuse. Unfortunately, only 1 in 23 cases are reported. As the older population grows, so will the amount of elder abuse.
Elder abuse includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect, abandonment and self-neglect.
In 2016, more than 12,000 allegations from King, Snohomish, Skagit, Island, Whatcom and San Juan counties were investigated by Adult Protective Services. Of those cases, 22 percent were financial exploitation — second only to reports of self-neglect.
Abuse can occur anywhere: in the home, in nursing homes or in other institutions. It affects older adults across all socio-economic groups, cultures and races. Other risk factors include gender and age (women and “older” elders are more likely to be victimized), isolation, dementia, and mental health and substance abuse issues — of both abusers and victims.
The consequences of elder abuse are grave: Older adults who are abused are twice as likely to be hospitalized, four times as likely to go into nursing homes and three times as likely to die.
As a community, there are many things we can do to prevent elder abuse from occurring:
Stop making fun of older adults (don’t tolerate ageism!);
Educate yourself and others about the warning signs of abuse, neglect and self-neglect;
If you see something, say something. Do not assume a report already has been made;
Be a friendly visitor to an older person living in the community;
Provide support for someone who is a caregiver;
Advocate for increased funding for elder-abuse prevention and intervention programs.
If elder abuse is suspected, call Adult Protective Services, 866-221-4909, or use the online reporting system at https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/report-concerns-involving-vulnerable-adults. If the person is in imminent danger, call 911. For residents of long-term care facilities, report to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, 800-562-6028.
Elder abuse, including financial exploitation, can lead to poverty, hunger, homelessness and compromised health and well-being. We believe older people have the right to a life with dignity and free from all types of abuse.
Steve McGraw is CEO of Homage Senior Services.
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