Elizabeth Ryan asked:


Financial abuse and material exploitation of the elderly may not cause physical injuries or leave scars, but they can have devastating effects and ruin the lives of victims. An elder’s entire life savings can disappear, leaving the victim unable to provide for his or her own needs and causing harmful stress and agitation.

Financial elder abuse and material exploitation occur when an abuser uses an elder’s money or assets in a manner contrary to elder’s wishes, needs, or best interests, or for the abuser’s personal gain. Oftentimes, elderly victims are exploited because of vulnerabilities associated with advanced age, such as impaired mental capacity. Abusers can be caregivers in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, professionals hired by the elder (such as accountants), strangers, or family members.

Financial elder abuse can take many forms. The abuser may steal money or items from the elder’s bank account or home, sell or transfer property against the elder’s wishes, use the elder’s credit cards for unauthorized purchases, use the elder’s name to open new credit accounts, and create or alter a living trust or will for the abuser’s benefit. Financial elder abuse also can take the form of telemarketing fraud, identity theft, predatory lending, home improvement scams, and estate planning scams.

Unexplained behavioral changes, such as sudden secrecy or reluctance to speak freely, may be warning signs of financial elder abuse. If an elder appears withdrawn, helpless, frightened, or angry, this may also indicate that abuse is taking place. Some of the warning signs of financial elder abuse can be explained by other causes, and no single indicator can be taken as decisive proof. However, a pattern of multiple warning signs may suggest that a problem is present.

The following are warning signs of financial elder abuse:



Unusual bank account activity, such as ATM withdrawals at a bank the elder cannot travel to

Signatures on checks and documents that do not match the elder’s signature

Checks or documents signed despite the fact elder cannot write or understand what he/she is signing

Unexplained change in spending patterns or unusual/out of character purchases

Unusual medical charges or nursing home charges

Generous gifts to a person the elder has only met recently

Change in lawyer or bank for unknown reason

Change in who has power of attorney for unknown reason

Stranger who initiates close relationship with elder and offers to manage finances and assets



Factors which make elders susceptible to financial abuse include isolation, loneliness, physical and/or mental disabilities, and lack of familiarity with financial issues. Elder financial exploitation often goes unreported. The senior may be unaware that exploitation is taking place or remain silent due to intimidation by the abuser. The elder victim may also be embarrassed about the situation or worried that making accusations will cause him or her to be labeled senile or too demanding.

Reporting financial elder abuse can save the assets, dignity, and health of an elder. If you suspect abuse, it is better to err on the side of caution in order to protect an senior from victimization.



Leighton

Lynn Fugaro asked:


 

It is a rather sad time in the United States when we have a day set aside (June 15) called Elder Abuse Awareness Day, intended to raise awareness of abuse towards older adults. This day is recognized by healthcare professionals and support groups and organizations around the world, not just in our country. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), elder abuse is the term used to refer to any knowing, intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm to a vulnerable adult. Much of this abuse takes place in nursing facilities and hospitals across the nation.

Abuse of an elderly person’s finances is the most common form of elder abuse; however, there are many other kinds including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and abandonment.



Physical Abuse



Physical abuse is the use of physical force resulting in bodily injury, physical pain or impairment. Acts of physical abuse may include striking with a hand or object, beating, pushing, shaking, slapping, kicking, and burning. Force-feeding an elder adult is also considered physical abuse as is the inappropriate use of physical restraints.

Signs of physical abuse:

Bruises, abrasions, burns, or broken bones Open wounds or cuts Broken eyeglass and other signs of being subjected to punishment Sudden change in behavior

Sexual Abuse



Sexual abuse is non-consensual contact with an elderly person that can include unwanted touching, sexual assault or battery such as rape, sodomy and sexually explicit photographing.

Signs of sexual abuse:

Bruises around breasts and genital area Unexplained venereal disease or infection Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding Torn or bloody undergarments

Emotional Abuse



Emotional abuse is the infliction of pain or distress through verbal and nonverbal acts such as insults, threats, humiliation, intimidation and harassment.

Signs of emotional abuse:

Being upset or agitated Being withdrawn and non-communicative Unusual behavior

Neglect



Neglect is the failure to fulfill any part of a person’s obligations to take care of the elder.

Signs of neglect:

Malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores, or poor hygiene Untreated health problems Unsanitary living conditions

Abandonment



Abandonment is the desertion of the elder adult by an individual who is supposed to be taking care of him or her.

Signs of abandonment:

The elder is left at the hospital or nursing facility The elder is left at a public place such as a shopping mall or church

Financial Exploitation



Financial exploitation is the most common type of abuse found in older adults and is defined as the illegal or improper use of an elder’s funds, property or assets. Checks may be cashed that belong to the elder adult, signatures may be forged, and possessions may be stolen.

Signs of financial exploitation:

Sudden changes in financial situation Additional names found on the elder’s accounts Unauthorized withdrawals of money Disappearance of possessions Unexplained transfers of funds Evidence of forged signatures

If you feel a loved one may be the victim of elder abuse, please contact the nursing facility supervisor, hospital administrator, or some other person of authority in the institution in which the elder lives.



Pauline

Patricia Woloch asked:


 

In our country, we have set aside a day in June (June 15) called “Elder Abuse Awareness Day”. This day is intended to raise awareness of abuse towards our older adult and is recognized by health care professionals, support groups and organizations all around the world, not just in our country. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), elder abuse is the term used to define any “knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm to a vulnerable adult.”

According to statistics, most of the abuse against our senior citizens takes place in nursing facilities, retirement homes and hospitals across the nation. Sadly, abuse of an elderly person’s finances is the most common form of abuse. The other forms are: physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and abandonment.



Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is the use of physical force that results in bodily injury, physical pain or impairment. Acts of abuse against the elderly may include striking with a hand, beating, pushing, shaking, kicking and burning. Force-feeding is another tragic form of abuse that our elderly suffer every day. Signs of physical abuse include:

· Bruises

· Burns

· Broken bones

· Abrasions

· Open wounds or cuts

· Torn clothing

· Sudden changes in behavior

· Sores



Sexual Abuse

Unbelievably so, sexual abuse does occur in the very place we put our elderly loved ones to be cared for. Sexual abuse is considered non-consensual contact and can include unwanted touching, rape, sodomy and unwanted sexually explicit photographing. Signs of sexual abuse include:

· Bruises around breast area

· Bruises around genital area

· Bleeding from vagina

· Bleeding from anus

· Torn or blood undergarments



Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse involves the infliction of pain or intimidation on the elderly. Signs that your loved one is being emotionally abused include:

· Being upset, agitated

· Mood swings

· Appearing fearful

· Avoiding social contact with others

· Unusual behavior



Neglect

· Malnutrition

· Dehydration

· Bed sores

· Poor hygiene

· Untreated health problems

· Unsanitary living conditions



Abandonment

Sometimes the elderly are simply deserted by individuals who are supposed to be taking care of him or her. The elderly are often left at hospitals or public places, such as shopping center, churches or parks.



Patricia

Brandon Thomas asked:


 

 

Elder abuse is a serious and critical issue to address when considering any caregiver for the elderly, be it an at-home service or a care giving facility.  Abuse can be either physical or emotional, and sometime the caregiver can be completely unaware he/she being abusive towards the patient.

            One of the considered main causes of caregiver abuse is caregiver depression and stress. Physical abuse constitutes as a non-accidental force against the elder resulting in pain or injury.   Emotional abuse causes the elderly person emotional distress, using intimidation, humiliation, or ignoring the individual to bring pain.

            Other forms of abuse can include sexual abuse, abandonment by caregivers, using the elder’s assets for exploitation, and healthcare fraud.

            There are warning signs to notice that could indicate emotional abuse from a care provider. For instance, if a noticeable change in personality from the elder occurs, the root of the change should be investigated. Likewise, if arguments are frequent between the caregiver and the elder, abuse could occur.

            Warning signs to look for when suspecting physical abuse include changes in physical appearance, such as weight loss or malnutrition, signs of injury like bruises or welts, signs of being restrained (like marks on the wrists), medication overdose/under-dose, or the caregiver refusing for you to be alone with the elder.

            Preventative measure is the best precaution to take to eliminate elder abuse. The best way to find a caregiver who fits your needs is to analyze what exactly your needs are. Write a job description addressing your professional needs for the caregiver candidate, times/hours need per week, years of experience, and personality expectations. Be thorough and concise in your job description.

            Write a list of questions you want to be sure to ask of your candidates. Ask for references and be sure to check with each one to see if the caregiver is, in fact, a good candidate for the position. As well, be sure to get a background check on those you are seriously considering hiring. When choosing the best candidate for hire, be sure to choose wisely. Look for caregivers who have experience with the ailments that may affect the elder needing care. Lastly, be sure to consistently monitor the elder’s progress and care. Any signs of abuse or neglect should be investigated immediately. 

 

 



Bruce