We Educate Wednesday [6/10/2020]
Continuing on yesterday’s theme of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (which is June 15)…Today’s topic is elder abuse, with a little more in-depth look at it. “Older adult” in this post, as defined by the Older Adults Protective Service Act, is anyone over the age of 60 years old.
As mentioned yesterday, elder abuse can be in the form of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. It can also be in the form of financial exploitation and neglect. Yesterday, it was also mentioned that the perpetrator can be anyone, and unfortunately is often someone that the older adult trusts. That means family, neighbors, caregivers, facility workers, community members, funeral home directors, and other providers can all be perpetrators of elder abuse. Reports of abuse since 2015 in PA have been consistently increasing, which is both positive and negative (PDA, 2017/18 FY REPORT). Negative because this means abuse is occurring, but positive because more people feel comfortable making reports.
Why is the trust important?
When the older adult trusts the perpetrator, the perpetrator may have greater access to them and their belongings. The older adult may believe that someone they trust would never do something such as abuse or exploit. On the flip side, the perpetrator may still do good things for the older adult, which can create a sense of conflict in the older adult’s mind---“Well, they do cut my lawn and get my groceries…so they deserve the extra money…” In some cases, the trusted person can convince the older adult to name them as their power of attorney (POA). There are different types and levels of POA, some permitting control over only finances, while others provide control over all major decisions. Although the POA may have control or authority, this does not mean that they can act however they please. They are supposed to be making any decision, signing off on any document, or withdrawing bank funds all with one focus in mind—the older adult’s best interest. As you may have figured out, this does not always turn out to be the case, and instead, the perpetrator puts their own interests, desires, and needs above all else. They come to see the older adult less as a person and more as a method to get what they want.
Is a person likely only to experience one type of abuse?
Not often. Perpetrators may use one form of abuse to exert control over the older adult, so that other forms of abuse may continue. For example, physical and emotional abuse may be used to create fear and reduce any resistance so that the perpetrator can financially exploit them. According to the PA Department of Aging’s 2017/2018 annual report, caregiver neglect was the most common form of abuse reported, followed closely by financial exploitation.
What are some red flags to look for?
The best way to monitor the health and safety of the older adult in your life is to check-in with them consistently. Perpetrators tend to create environments where they can isolate the older adult from supports. They know that the less healthy supports and professionals around, the better for them. Look for changes in the older adult’s behaviors, moods, physical pain, hygiene, and medications. Do not expect that because the older adult denies any abuse is occurring that this is always true. Because the perpetrator may be a caregiver or even a family member, there is some bond that exists, and the older adult may wish to continue that bond or protect them. Recognize that although the abuse, exploitation, and neglect may be horrible for the older adult, the fear of hurting or losing that person could also be present. For finances, be vigilant and aware of any abrupt changes to wills, power of attorney documents, titles/deeds, bank accounts. Look out for unpaid bills, especially when there is supposed to be someone helping the older adult with this task. For scams, be on the look out for odd phone calls, emails, or mailings. Watch out for large gift card purchases, ATM withdrawals, or checks.
What can you do?
First, is to be gentle with the older adult. If they were experiencing abuse the last thing that they need is for someone to blame, shame, or guilt them with questions like “Why did you let them do this?” “C’mon dad, you know better.” Ask them instead if they need anything. Be mindful that they may be denying that the abuse was occurring, even if it was reported, substantiated, and actions were taken. Also, do not assume that this means that the older adult now has to be in a higher level of care (ex. a facility). There is a push to keep older adults in their home, “aging in place”, whenever possible, as that is where they may be most comfortable. Respect the fact that they may be in a way grieving the loss of their family member, their caretaker, their connection with someone, or the concept of trust altogether. When someone violates trust, it can make it extremely difficult for the older adult to seek out services in the future. One of the things that clients I worked with first needed to be assured was that they could trust me.
Next steps for families, friends, caretakers, and the older adult?
Seek out resources from your local Area Agency on Aging office. To find your local office, you can go to aging.pa.gov and search by county or calling 1-800-677-1116. These offices have dedicated workers that investigate, provide referrals, implement services, and provide resources for older adults and their families. You can report abuse directly to your county by calling your local Area Agency on Aging, or calling the 24/7 hotline 1-800-490-8505 and remain anonymous. Remember, you are not expected to have all of the evidence, proof, names, exact figures, etc. when making a report. As much as you know, provide. There are workers who will follow up on the rest. If you feel comfortable, educate your loved ones and provide them with resources and skills. Keep an open line of communication between you and your loved ones and offer to attend community events such as resource “fairs” with them. Consider creating a “trust” word/phrase so that if they ever receive a caller claiming to be you and money needs to be sent a.s.a.p, they can recognize it is a scam. the US Dept. of Aging has many resources related to scam prevention and other helpful info.
Next steps for professionals?
Seek out trainings and education. Elder abuse is not as widely talked about perhaps as child abuse or domestic violence (which can actually overlap with elder abuse). Some counties in Pennsylvania have elder abuse task forces, that incorporate members of different agencies such as banks, nursing facilities, consumer protection/businesses, police, district attorney, protective service workers, mental health providers, and victim services. See if your county has one and consider joining. If you work with older adults at any time, your input is valuable. Engage in community education. Some legislators will host “senior expos” or “senior citizen education/resource fairs”. Ask your local representatives if you/someone from your agency can attend both to obtain resources as well as provide information about the services you provide. You will likely return to your office with new information, new resources, and plenty of pens!
If you need additional information or are not sure where to start, please feel free to contact me.
**Again, the hotline for reporting abuse is 1-800-490-8505.**
(Sources: PA Department of Aging Website, Fiscal Report 17/18) (Photo credit: A. Jones; photos taken of me at two Senior Resource Fairs representing the Network of Victim Assistance in 2018)
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