Comment: Elders can be vulnerable to abuse; know its signs

Published 1:30 am Sunday, June 12, 2022

By Michelle Burke and Liz Burnham / For The Herald

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched 16 years ago, on June 15 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. This annual recognition serves as an opportunity for communities everywhere to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older generations.

Elder abuse is a prevalent yet underreported issue. It’s estimated that 1 in 10 Americans aged 60 and older have experienced abuse, and those are the reported cases. Fear of retaliation, feelings of shame and embarrassment, or simply their dependency on the abuser can often prevent a person from reporting their abuse.

Learning what elder abuse is and knowing the signs can help keep older adults safe. The sooner abuse is recognized, the quicker a person can get help.

There are five types of elder abuse: physical, emotional, financial, neglect and sexual. Signs of abuse can include: fear, anxiety, depression, changes in sleeping patterns and unexplained injuries such as bruises, sores or broken bones. A person might show signs of malnutrition, lack of basic hygiene, or appear overly medicated. The person might be left without important aids like glasses, a walker or medications. A spouse might prevent the other from attending social functions or family events, or going out alone to grocery shop. There may be unusual or sudden changes in a person’s will or financial documents, find stacks of unpaid bills or utilities turned off, forged signatures or lines of credit opened that they did not create. Perhaps a stranger or “friend” moves into the home, claiming to take care of or look after the elder. One partner might control all the money, not allowing the other to spend or hold joint accounts, creating secrecy within their financial affairs.

If an older adult discloses that they are being abused, neglected or exploited, it’s important to take them seriously, even if the signs aren’t obvious to you. Listen to their concerns. Tell them that you care. Assure them that the abuse isn’t their fault. Don’t tell them what to do, rather ask how you can help. Stay calm, be non-judgmental and remind them that help is available.

Decreasing isolation is key in preventing elder abuse. There are things we can all do. Regularly check in on loved ones or neighbors. Volunteer as a friendly visitor to a nursing home resident or house-bound person in your neighborhood. Offer rides to social functions, grocery stores, medical appointments, or senior centers for activities and companionship. Provide respite breaks for family caregivers. There are services within the county that can help, like our senior centers. They create a safe space for exercise, community meals, art programs, and friendship. Services like these are crucial in keeping seniors engaged and connected, decreasing their chances of becoming isolated and abused.

The Elder Abuse Advocacy program at Domestic Violence Services (DVS) of Snohomish County was created in partnership with Homage Senior Services. The partnership provides biweekly support groups to anyone who has experienced any form of elder abuse, facilitates a monthly vulnerable adult task force, supports Homage social services staff with training and support related to elder abuse cases, and provides opportunities to connect elder abuse survivors with a multitude of resources including care coordination, mental health, transportation, nutrition support.

“Our partnership with DVS has been an incredible boon for our older adult clients,” said Homage Mental Health Programs Supervisor Kris Lau. “Our intensive case management team in coordination with DVS has really streamlined the process of connecting our clients with supportive resources and getting them out of dangerous situations.”

At DVS we help seniors, aged 60 and older, navigate intimate partner elder abuse; a type of domestic violence that occurs within an intimate relationship like a spouse or partner. Through one-on-one support, we assess the client’s immediate needs, develop safety plans, and discuss options for services and next steps. We have an emergency shelter and legal advocacy program. We connect survivors with external community resources like housing assistance, counseling, or financial support, if appropriate.

If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner elder abuse, or if you have questions, call the DVS hotline at 425-252-2873. If youo suspect abuse of a vulnerable adult call Adult Protective Services at 877-734-6277. For emergenciesm call 911.

Let’s acknowledge this important day: Learn what you can do to prevent and address elder abuse. Let’s create a community where our older adults can age with peace and dignity, free of abuse and isolation.

Michelle Burke is an elder abuse advocate with Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County. Liz Burnham is the prevention, education and outreach coordinator for Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County.