Elder Abuse and Neglect

Elder abuse and neglect are very common in our society and around us. Unfortunately, due to the fact that little or no awareness is made about it to the public and our society in general, it makes it tough for us to see even when it’s happening close to home and around us. It shouldn’t be a surprise to us that most of this abuse and neglect occurs within the family on a larger scale.

An abuse is the intentional cause of any physical injury inflicted on the consumer. Also, it is the unnecessary isolation or confinement of anyone as a punishment. Abuse can also be in the form of intimidation and neglect.

Neglect is the failure to provide individuals with the most basic needs, such as Food, Water, and Cleanliness. Neglect can also occur when a caregiver fails to provide care and also to keep the consumer from physical and emotional harm.

Financial Abuse is another form of abuse that occurs with our seniors, and this happens with the misappropriation of their properties, stealing their saved-up money, or cajoling them to sign documents and papers to favor them. Other kinds of abuse perpetrated against Seniors include: Verbal Abuse, Emotional Abuse, and sexual abuse.

If you happen to live close by any senior, be on the alert to see if you suspect that there’s any form of abuse, depression or fear. You can also report any suspicious incident to the nearest county’s Aging and Adult Services representative.