By: Hannah Decker
Starting in early 2020 we as a nation were told to limit our gatherings and distance ourselves from our loved ones all due to the COVID-19 outbreak — and yet — frequently we heard the phrase, “We are all in this together.”
It has been nearly two years since the pandemic began; however, the nation has not fully embraced the phrase. Families were forced to isolate themselves from their elderly relatives — parent, grandparent — in hopes of preventing the spread. This phenomenon led to an increase of assisted-living home residents.
Unfortunately, the elderly are not only susceptible to viruses such as COVID-19 but also susceptible to the horrors of abuse and neglect. The often-overlooked issue of elder abuse is rising, and — similar to a puzzle — there are many pieces to learn about the issue in order to actively prevent it.
What is Elder Abuse?
In general, elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing or intentional act done by a caregiver or family member that causes harm or risk of harm to a vulnerable individual. Elder abuse covers a variety of abusive acts, and the number of reports is only increasing.
According to the Administration for Community Living, all fifty states have passed some form of prevention laws to stop the expansion of elderly abuse.
The forms of Elder Abuse are defined below:
- Physical Abuse – inflicting physical pain or injury on a senior, (slapping, bruising, or restraining by physical means).
- Neglect – the failure of providing food, shelter, or health care to a vulnerable elder.
- Exploitation – the illegal taking or misuse of a senior’s assets for someone else’s benefit.
- Emotional Abuse – inflicting mental pain or distress on an elderly person through verbal or non-verbal acts (humiliating or threatening).
- Abandonment – the desertion of a vulnerable elder by a caregiver.
- Self-Neglect – the failure of a person to perform essential, self-care tasks that threatens a person’s health.
Although many people worry about the health risks of elderly individuals, the act of separating oneself from their elderly loved ones could also inflict harm. Interaction with their loved ones is equally important as health to any individual.
How Big is the Problem?
The problem is only expanding. Elder abuse is a serious problem in the United States. The lack of information provided on the issue extremely underestimates how big the issue is.
Also, according to the CDC, the number of annual reports of elder abuse is inaccurate. Many cases are not reported because elders are afraid or unable to tell the police, friends, or family about the violence inflicted on them. The choice to turn in a caretaker is a hard decision to make alone.
Elder abuse is common. Currently, it is reported that one in ten people over the age of 60 who live at home experience neglect or exploitation. Additionally, “From 2002 to 2016, more than 643,000 older adults were treated in the emergency department for nonfatal assaults and over 19,000 homicides occurred” (CDC).
Elder abuse can unfortunately lead to harm and in some cases — death.
What is the Long-Term Effect?
Sticks and stones may hurt bones, but in time you will physically heal; however, elder abuse is not like that. Elder abuse primarily affects an individual mentally, and mental wounds sometimes never heal. Elder abuse can lead to early death, harm to physical and psychological health, destroy social and family ties, cause devastating financial loss, and much more (National Institute of Aging). The fear and depression will never fully leave any victim.
What are Some Signs of Elder Abuse?
Some signs of elder abuse or neglect that you may notice upon visiting an older adult at home or in an eldercare facility include:
- An individual stop partaking in activities he or she enjoys
- Looks messy with unwashed hair or dirty clothes
- Has trouble sleeping
- Loses weight for no reason
- Becomes withdrawn or acts agitated
- Displays signs of trauma, like rocking back and forth
- Has unexplained bruises, burns, or cuts
- Has broken eyeglasses/frames, or physical signs of being restrained
- Lacks medical aids (glasses, dentures, walker)
- Has unsafe living conditions
- Displays signs of insufficient care or unpaid bills despite adequate financial resources
If any signs of abuse are noticed, try talking with the older adult to find out what is going on. Most importantly, get help or report what you see to adult protective services (National Institute of Aging).
No evidence of abuse is needed for a case to be investigated.
Spread Awareness
Past studies have shown a large increase in elder abuse in response to COVID-19. As reported by the World Health Organization, past studies have reported that 64.2% of hospital and assisted-living staff have reported perpetrating some form of elder abuse in the past year. This means one in six people have contributed to this rising issue. Though institutional workers are not the only perpetrators. Many loved ones have also contributed to the issue.
There are many factors that may increase or decrease the risk of elder abuse. To prevent the issue, we must first learn to understand and address the factors putting vulnerable individuals at risk.
As stated by the CDC, there are a few ways to prevent the impact of elder abuse.
- Listen to older adults and their caregivers to understand their challenges and provide support.
- Report abuse or suspected abuse to local adult protective services or the police.
- Educate oneself and others about how to recognize and report elder abuse.
- Learn how the signs of elder abuse differ from the normal aging process.
- Check-in on older adults who may have few friends and family members.
- Support over-burdened caregivers such as help from friends, family, or local relief care groups; adult day care programs; counseling; outlets intended to promote emotional well-being.
The older adult population is growing in the 21st century, and the issue of Elder Abuse is growing in response. Knowing how to help is the most influential way to spread awareness.
Also mark your calendar for June 15, 2023.
This day is specifically designated to spread Elder Abuse Awareness.
Hotline How To
If you have been the victim of abuse, exploitation, or neglect, you are not alone. Many people care and can help. Please do not carry the burden yourself. You can tell a friend, family member, or a doctor you trust. There are also many hotlines you can call to get the help you need.
Also, if you suspect elder abuse or neglect is occurring, please call a hotline. Help is always available.
What are the Criminal Penalties for Elder Abuse?
Many states have created specific elder abuse laws. Some of these laws criminalize elder abuse specifically, while others add enhanced penalties for crimes targeting senior citizens (FindLaw).
For example, New York enforces a “Granny Law,” which expresses that assaulting someone over 65 years of age is a second-degree assault. Second-degree assault is a felony in the state of New York carrying a possible two-to-seven-year prison sentence.
Florida also has strict codes banning abuse, aggravated abuse, or neglect of an older adult.
This is punishable by:
- Five years in prison
- Five years of probation
- $5,000 fine
Older adult neglect can be a second-degree felony. This gets you:
- 15 years behind bars
- 15 years of probation
- $10,000 in fines
(FindLaw)
Kansas law allows judges to sentence a convicted offender above the perceptive sentence if certain aggravating factors exist, including that “the victim was particularly vulnerable due to age.” So, if the offender scams an elderly victim out of their retirement, the court could look at the victim’s age when placing a sentence for theft or fraud (Criminal Defense Lawyer).
Although the laws surrounding elder abuse vary in every state, there is always a penalty for committing the abuse at nursing homes, and assisted living homes. Abusive actions toward elder individuals are strictly against the law and can result in prison time.
We’re All in This Together
Never forget “We’re All in This Together.” Even though elder abuse and neglect rates have been increasing lately, no one is truly alone. The best way to provide help and spread awareness of the issue is to educate others on the importance of elder abuse and neglect prevention. You are the missing piece to the puzzle of elder abuse.