Our Ask An Angel correspondent is Re Kielar, Life Care Navigation Specialist in the area of senior home care.
Q. Can you please educate me on the signs of elder abuse? I am concerned for a neighbor, and I don’t know if I need to get involved.
A. Elder abuse is a very real thing. It is often exhibited by someone responsible for the care or wellbeing of an elder. It may be physical abuse, neglect, emotional or psychological abuse, financial, sexual, or abandonment. These characteristics have signs that should be watched and noted. So, what does it look like when an elder is being abused? It’s often not easy to detect because an elder may be afraid to speak out. Let’s talk a bit about physical abuse and neglect. Physical abuse can include lack of basic hygiene, signs of bed sores, lack of clean clothing, and even food. It may also result in lack of proper medicine or implements that help someone live safely in their living environment. Often, elders with dementia who are left unsupervised can be at risk, and that is considered neglect. If there is a history of falls or unexplained injuries, this too, can be a red flag for abuse. A cluttered home that exhibits uncleanliness, disrepair, or showing safety issues can also point to abuse. Emotional or psychological abuse is most difficult to pinpoint. If an elder becomes withdrawn from family or friends, or begins to act differently than the norm, it could be a sign of neglect. If a caregiver isolates an elder or is controlling or demeaning, this is a sign of abuse. Finally, financial abuse is evident when an elder lacks things he/she can easily afford. If it appears there is an unusual or excessive gift giving, it could be that someone in the caregiver role may be controlling the elder’s money. It is important to have the proper legal documents in place to prevent such abuse from occurring. If there is any suspicion about abuse, it is imperative that concerns are reported to your local Adult Protective Services Agency. This would be an agency such as our local, Senior Services Associates. If there are suspicions that abuse is taking place in a nursing home, contact a long-term care Ombudsman. A website to locate Illinois resources is here.
Elder abuse is not limited to the home, as it can also happen at a facility, such as an assisted living, group home, or skilled nursing community. Trust your instincts and make a note about what you observe. If you notice abuse, it is your responsibility to report it. A professional will take care of the rest and will work to investigate and resolve any issues. As always, it is our duty to treat everyone with dignity and sometimes that means being a voice for those who don’t have one.
Have a question for our angel correspondent? You can send our angel an email to rkielar@visitingangels.com or send your question via mail to Ask An Angel, 65 Woodbury St., South Elgin, IL 60177.
