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LEARN HOW TO MAKE OUR TYPE LARGER

Elder abuse and neglect
Published March 2000

Elder Abuse and Neglect photo

(NAPS) - There is hopeful news for older Americans who are victims of abuse and neglect. That news comes in the form of increased awareness of the problem and a growing number of places where older Americans can turn for help.

Here is some information on the subject from the American Psychological Association:

What is elder abuse? Elder abuse is the infliction of physical, emotional or psychological harm on an older adult. It can also take the form of financial exploitation or the neglect of an older adult by a caregiver.
How big a problem is it? An estimated 2.1 million older Americans experience some form of physical, psychological or some other kind of abuse each year. Experts estimate that for every case that is reported, five cases exist that go unreported.
Where does it take place? Most elder abuse takes place in the home. While stories of abuse to the residents of nursing homes make headlines, only 4 percent of older Americans live in a nursing home.
What are some of the signs of physical and emotional abuse? Unexplained injuries, bruises on the arms or neck or the refusal to go for return visits to the same emergency department are all possible signs of physical abuse. Evasive answers, chronic health problems, withdrawing socially and an unwillingness to communicate may be signs of emotional abuse.
What can be done to prevent it? The American Psychological Association recommends that education, increased social contact, support for caregivers and taking advantage of counseling and treatment are all steps that can prevent elder abuse.
Where can older Americans turn for help? To contact the right agency in your area, call the Eldercare locator at 1-800-677-1116. The majority of local Area Agencies on Aging have information and referral phone lines that can offer local assistance

For more information, contact the American Psychological Association’s Aging Office at 1-800-374-3721, ext. 2721 and ask for a copy of “Elder Abuse and Neglect: In Search of Solutions.” You can also visit www.apa.org for more information.

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