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ELDER ABUSE: A COMMUNITY PROBLEM
Statistics uncover a frightening picture of elder abuse in California. One of every 20 elderly people will be a victim of neglect or physical, psychological or financial abuse this year.
Elder abuse is an indiscriminate crime. Factors such as a person’s socio-economic status, gender, race, ethnicity, educational background or geographic location do not protect a person from abuse.
Elder abuse victims often live in silent desperation, unwilling to seek assistance because they believe their cries for help will go unanswered, or they fear retaliation from their abusers. Many remain silent to protect abusive family members, or are too embarrassed to admit that they have fallen victim to predators. Some elders, with diminished mental capacity, are unaware they are being abused. Others simply fear that no one will believe them.
As the elderly population multiplies, so will the incidence of elder abuse. We must recognize the seriousness of the problem and take steps to prevent it. It may take the courageous intervention of a caring family member, caretaker, neighbor or friend to take action when the victim may be reluctant. With your vigilance, care, and cooperation … elder abuse can be stopped.
TYPES OF ELDER ABUSE
There are four general categories of elder abuse:
- Physical Abuse
- Psychological Abuse
- Financial Abuse
- Neglect
PHYSICAL ABUSE
- Physical assault
- Sexual assault
- Physical restraint
- Deprivation of food or water
- Inappropriate use of a physical or chemical restraint, or psychotropic medication
PSYCOLOGICAL ABUSE
- Verbal assaults, threats or intimidation
- Subjecting an individual to fear, isolation or serious emotional distress
- Withholding of emotional support
- Confinement
FINANCIAL (Fiduciary) ABUSE
- Taking money, property or other items from the elder’s home or bank account
- Getting an older person to sign a deed, will, or power of attorney through deception, coercion, or undue influence
- Using, selling, or transferring the elder’s property or possessions without permission, or against their will or best interests
- Forging an older person's signature, or using their credit card for unauthorized purchases
- Failure to provide agreed upon services to the elder, such as care giving, home/property repair, or financial management
- Telemarketing scams or fraud. Calling the senior and using deception, scare tactics, or exaggerated claims to get them to send money
NEGLECT
- Failure to assist in personal hygiene
- Failure to provide clothing and shelter
- Failure to provide medical care
- Failure to protect from health and safety hazards
- Failure to prevent malnutrition or dehydration
- Allowing self-neglect
WHAT YOU CAN DO
We all have the right to be free from abuse and neglect. If you suspect an elderly person you know is being victimized, take action to stop it. Contact the Morro Bay Police Department, County Adult Protective Services, or if the elder is in a nursing or board and care home contact the Long Term Care Ombudsman.
Morro Bay Police Department – 772-6225
San Luis Obispo County Adult Protective Services – 781-1790
Long Term Care Ombudsman of San Luis Obispo County – 785-0132
Hotline of San Luis Obispo County – 211
If you suspect abuse that seems to be life threatening, don’t hesitate. Call the Police!