ELDER ABUSE—A GROWING PROBLEM

Sometimes when elderly people are dependent on family caregivers, potentially abusive caring behaviors are not uncommon and need to be detected early, before the situation deteriorates into elder abuse.
 
These types of behaviors can act as early warning signs to more serious harmful future psychological and physical abusive behaviors. Often, caregivers may not realize their behaviors are potentially harmful to their care recipient.
 
Elder abuse is any form of mistreatment, even by a family member, that results in harm or loss to an older person.  People can be abused in different ways: 

• Financial Exploitation: Being forced to sign or hand over money -- such as Social Security checks, pension checks, savings accounts, or property or being scammed by others;
• Physical Abuse: Results in bodily pain, injury or impairment like being slapped, hit, or pushed;
• Emotional Abuse: Infliction of mental or emotional anguish such as insults, threats, or name-calling;
• Elder abuse is a growing problem.  As the population and costs of caring for older adults continues to rise, so does the need for families to get involved and to provide care for them. The problem occurs in all communities, and affects people of all ethnic, cultural, racial, economic, and religious backgrounds.
• Abuse does escalate. Caregivers need to obtain tools and support in order to have a positive outlook and to minimize stress in order to avoid possible use of abuse.

 
If you or someone you know is being abused, seek help today. In an emergency, please dial 911.  For all other help, please call: Illinois Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline (877) TO END DV (877-863-6338), (877) 863-6339 TTY
 
Sources: www.caregiver.org/depression-and-caregiving; www.parentgiving.com/elder-care
 
Brought to you by the St. Hubert Domestic Violence Outreach Ministry