Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, or sexual harm inflicted upon
an older adult, their financial exploitation, or neglect of their welfare by
people who are personally responsible for their care.
In the U.S. alone, more than half a million reports of elder abuse reach
authorities every year, and millions more cases go unreported.
As older adults become more physically frail, they are less able to take
care of themselves, stand up to bullying, or fight back if attacked. Mental or
physical ailments can make them more trying companions for those who live with
them. And they may not see or hear as well or think as clearly as they used to,
leaving openings for unscrupulous people to take advantage of them.
Elder abuse tends to take place where the senior lives: where their
abusers are often adult children, other family members such as grandchildren,
or a spouse or partner. Elder abuse can also occur in institutional settings,
especially long-term care facilities.
If you suspect that an elderly person is at risk from a neglectful or
overwhelmed caregiver, or being preyed upon financially, it is important to
speak up, go denounce their situation to the authorities in charge. Everyone
deserves to live in safety, with dignity and respect. These guidelines can help
you recognize the warning signs of elder abuse, understand what the risk
factors are, and learn how to prevent and report the problem.
Some examples are manifested in the story read about The Old Man and His
Little Grandson because the old man couldn't do anything about the treatment
that he was getting, which was inhumanely inflicted to him and because he
depended on them, he could not do anything and this happens a lot in families all
around the globe and there are ways to prevent this by calling the
police.
By Rafael Torres, Step 8 Yellow.
