To commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), we decided to highlight this important topic in our June newsletter. The people who deserve and need our protection the most are the very young and the very old. Few things are more disturbing than abusive behavior toward these vulnerable groups. Elder abuse can come in many forms. Aside from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, one common crime is basic robbery - committed by strangers or family members. But, neglect is actually the most common and heartbreaking form of elder abuse - and its effects can be devastating. The biggest thing to remember is that if you ever suspect any type of immediate danger of abuse or if you feel you are being abused, get help right away by calling your police. Call your local adult protective service to report abuse that has already occurred or is suspected. Today, let's think of those who have been abused and hope they find safety and healing - and think of ways we can prevent future crimes against seniors.
SageMinder Team
|
The National Research Council defines elder mistreatment as "intentional actions that cause harm (whether or not harm was intended) or create a serious risk of harm to an older adult by a caregiver or other person who stands in a trust relationship to the elder, or failure by a caregiver to satisfy the elder's basic needs or to protect the elder from harm."
|
What if your young adult grandson called and told you he needed help and was so ashamed that he did not want his parents to know? What if he said his name, seemed to have personal information about you and then proceeded to tell you he was in trouble. He may say he was distraught over a friend's death, got drunk, and hit another car causing a fatality and was now in jail and needed bail because he thinks he is badly injured and can't get proper medical treatment unless he gets released.
|
