Elder Abuse Prevention
When
we think of elder abuse, most of us think of Physical
Abuse- inflicting pain or injury on a vulnerable senior.
Physical abuse can also mean depriving a person of a
basic need such as food, adequate shelter and reasonable
access to medical care and treatment.
Other kinds of elder abuse exist which many of us might not recognize as abuse since they are more easily hidden or subtle. These include:
- Emotional Abuse - inflicting mental pain or anguish through verbal or non-verbal threats.
- Sexual Abuse - non-consensual sexual contact of any kind and, although it does happen to seniors, they are unlikely to report it.
- Exploitation - improper use or access to a senior's funds or property.
- Neglect - a failure of those responsible to provide for basic needs or protection.
- Abandonment - desertion of a senior by someone who has assumed responsibility for his/her welfare.
Self-neglect is the most common form of abuse encountered by NSS staff. Self-neglect occurs when a senior is at risk for a serious situation to develop concerning their health, housing or general welfare because they are not adequately addressing their own needs. Perhaps they are not keeping up with doctor visits and/or taking their medication properly. They may not be able to afford medication or food, have little family support and not be aware of the community supports available.
The Resource Advocacy staff can provide intervention in the cases of neglect, physical exploitation of seniors.
- Education and support for at-risk seniors
- Intervention and monitoring in collaboration with the Adult Protective Services Department of the Family Independence Agency
- Referrals for caregiver respite and support groups
- Education about and referrals for help in situations involving domestic violence
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