Senior Sunrise

When it comes to apartment living occasional noise from other units is to be expected. Unfortunately, we had an elderly neighbor living above us who was succumbing to dementia. He believed that there was a third occupant living in our apartment specifically harassing him at night. This caused him to blare his music loudly and pound on his floors (our ceiling) in an attempt to drown out this mystery person.

We explained to our neighbor several times that there were only two of us in the apartment; no one had moved in and that we were asleep during the times he believed this person was harassing him. He would look confused, mutter something about his hearing aid acting up, and then wander off. The behavior continued so we alerted adult protective services to see if they could have him evaluated. APS visited his home and is working on a plan with his doctor’s and may recommend that he be moved to an assisted living facility that specializes in care for dementia patients.

Nearly five million elderly are abused in the U.S. Elderly abuse is not consigned to a particular socio-economic class; it can happen to anyone. One highly visible case is the abuse of Mickey Rooney, one of the world’s most famous actors. He testified recently before a Senate Special Committee on Aging about the abuse he suffered at the hands of his step-son for years.

He urged the committee “to stop this elderly abuse. I mean stop it. Now. Not tomorrow, not next month, but now.” Rooney was able to get a retraining order against his step-son and his attorneys were granted conservatorship over his finances. It is appalling how adult abuse continues to prevail in our society. If you suspect that an elderly person is being abused, speak up! That person may not have the ability or courage to do so, and by speaking out you could save their life.

Child abuse is a serious concern in our society, and there is ample media coverage expounding the risks and possible remedies. Although it may not be publicized as readily, elderly abuse is also a growing problem. As our senior population continues to rise, the necessity of adult protective services is increasing as well.

We tend to think of abuse in purely physical terms, but that is not the only exploitation that is being inflicted on the elderly. There is also an alarming rate of senior citizens being exploited financially as well. Often times, the elderly are preyed upon by predatory salesman and other immoral moneymaking schemers.

Taking care of an elderly individual is a tremendous strain and a tremendously difficult proposition. But done with love, affection, and care, it can also be a rewarding experience. Still, because of the inherently difficult nature of the work, there are a growing number of cases of elder abuse every year. The following are some behaviors that people should watch for in elder care providers, as it might be indicative of abuse.

Of course, these behaviors are not a telltale sign of adult abuse. Rather, they are simply cause to check into the situation in greater detail. As such, watch for caregivers that don’t allow the elderly individual to speak to visitors. Also, watch for aggressive, unloving, or otherwise angry behavior towards the elder. And just as a risk factor, be careful when caregivers have a history of drug abuse, metal illness, or any kind of criminal behavior.

Adult Protective Services, or APS, refers to publicly funded programs which investigate and intervene in reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults who are physically or mentally impaired and unable  to protect themselves from harm.

Each of us has a moral obligation to “watch out for our brother & sister”. 

• For those who cannot speak for themselves, we must call out.
• For those who cannot use their eyes, we must see. 
• For those who cannot hear, we must listen and be attentive.
• For those who cannot use their limbs, we must move to assist them.

Physical Signs     Behavior Signs     Signs by Caregiver     Signs of Financial Abuse

Whenever you hear about an elderly person that is neglected, exploited or abused, you really get mad at those people who take advantage of them.  Elderly abuse is not an unusual or uncommon occurrence.  It can happen in their own homes or in institutional homes where they are placed.  Even family members can be guilty of the crime.

Abuse can be seen in different ways.  One type is physical abuse where the elderly are inflicted physical pain by beating or hitting and causing physical injury.  There is emotional abuse and sexual abuse as well.  They can be exploited by spending their money, selling their assets and resources without their consent.  Any form of elderly abuse should be reported immediately.

We are all aware of child abuse.  What we are not as informed about is abuse of the elderly. We are a society that is worried about our population that is growing older by the day.  It is a consolation to know that there is an agency called Adult Protective Services or APS whose mission is to provide protection against adult abuse. 

The APS is responsible for investigating abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults who are elderly or have disabilities. It is a non-profit association which shares information and improves the quality of services for victims of adult abuse.