The National Crime Prevention Council is advising that, even though National Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15 June) has passed, it is important not to put related concerns on the back burner. Elder abuse has been on the rise in many communities, and law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, and nonprofit organizations are collaborating to combat this growing trend. In addition, the Federal government passed the Elder Justice Act in 2011; this act is designed to coordinate federal elder abuse detection and prevention programs within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
NCPC advises that many signs can predict that elder abuse is taking place. Some elder abuse signs to consider are:
- lack of basic hygiene, adequate food, or clean and appropriate clothing;
- lack of medical aids (glasses, walker, teeth, hearing aid, and medications);
- person with dementia left unsupervised;
- person confined to bed is left without care;
- unexplained or uncharacteristic changes in behavior, including withdrawal from normal activities or unexplained changes in alertness;and
- home without adequate facilities (stove, refrigerator, heat, cooling, working plumbing, and electricity).
Resources:
U.S. Administration on Aging: National Center on Elder Abuse
U.S. Administration on Aging: Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
National Family Caregivers Association
Background information:
New England City & Town News Notes: Elder Abuse – A Growing Problem (17 JUL 11)
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