Elder Abuse Awareness Day

By Medha Saraiya

June 15

About 1 in 6 people 60 years and older experienced some form of #abuse in community settings.

Abuse on #elders goes farther than just physical abuse. Here are some different forms of elder abuse:

• Physical: Slapping, hitting bruising and retraining are forms of elder abuse. Medication tempering that is giving too much or too little of medication is also form of elder abuse.
• #Emotional: Inflicting mental anguish or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts by threatening, humiliating, intimidating, screaming, and yelling.
• #Financial: Illegally misusing elder’s funds, property, and assets to benefit someone else. Phishing emails and phone calls are some of the examples of such frauds.
• Abandonment: Desertion of vulnerable adults is a form of abuse.
• Sexual: Any nonconsensual sexual contact, whether comprehended or not by the senior.

Not all seniors are able to verbalize incidents of abuse. It is important those close to them watch for warning signs:

– Unexplained bruises, marks, broken bones, or abrasions.

– Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities

– Sudden changes in financial situation

– Poor hygiene, weight loss, bed sores and unattended medical needs

– Belittling, threats or frequent arguments between seniors and their caregivers.