Why does elder abuse go unreported

What Is Elder Abuse? There are several different forms of elder abuse, including: Physical abuse , which is described as the use of physical force that results in acute or chronic illness, bodily injury, physical pain, or death. Sexual abuse , which is defined as forced or unwanted sexual interaction of any kind with an elderly adult.

Emotional abuse , which is verbal or nonverbal behavior that inflicts anguish, fear, mental pain, or distress on the elderly adult.

Some of the ways this can happen include: Failure to develop a care plan or follow the proper protocols for residents who are at a high risk for falls.

A fall at a nursing home may potentially lead to an inspection violation as most falls are preventable through staff adherence to protocols and supervision. Up to a quarter of residents who fall in a skilled nursing facility will suffer a fracture or a laceration and require emergency care.

Failure to provide additional nutrition to residents who require it. Failure to provide safe and sanitary living conditions. Failure to seek medical care if the resident is injured. Failure to help the resident accomplish personal hygiene tasks such as bathing or brushing their hair. Failure to properly move or position residents to avoid pressure sores. Leaving residents in soiled or wet clothing for a length of time. Red flags that may indicate abuse include: Unusual changes in behavior, mood, or sleep habits.

Fear, anxiety, depression, or isolation. Broken bones, bruises, welts, cuts or sores. Untreated bedsores. Torn or bloody underclothing. Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases. Dirtiness, poor nutrition, or dehydration. A caregiver who exhibits negative behavior toward the elder, including threatening, bullying, or belittling the elder.

Unsanitary living conditions. Lack of medical aids the resident needs, such as glasses, a walker, hearing aids, or dentures. Unusual changes in bank account or money management, wills, or other financial documents. Forged signatures on financial documents. Unpaid bills. Fear of Retribution While declining cognitive abilities may leave many elders unable to report abuse, another reason elders may be reluctant to talk about what is happening to them is fear of retribution.

Some of the questions an elder may be asking themselves include: Who is going to take care of me if I report this behavior? Regardless of this, an older adult may fear they will be seen as mentally unfit for allowing themselves to be exploited as such.

They worry that this financial violation will ultimately lead to a loss of independence in some capacity. In the wake of a financial violation, beginning to look for resources can be an overwhelming experience for many.

If you think you or a loved one is a victim of elder financial abuse these are some great places to report to and find help:. Currently, the majority of statistics surrounding elder financial abuse are only estimates, which is why reporting these cases is so imperative to breaking the cycle.

We need a more accurate reflection of the damage these crimes cause in order to enact the correct change needed. We need our legislation and policies to be proactive, rather than reactive; meaning a focus on prevention and intervention rather than restitution and punitive measures. We need to call upon financial institutions to train employees to spot the warning signs of financial exploitation in older adults.

But changes like these are only ever possible after victims step forward with their stories and make the problem known to our society at large. Only then can we begin to take the necessary steps towards preventing this unrelenting experience from happening to anyone else. Deb Taylor is the CEO of Senior Community Services and its Reimagine Aging Institute, a nonprofit that helps older adults and caregivers navigate aging to maintain independence and quality of life.

We provide a wide array of programs — www. The National Center of Elder Abuse has said that only one of every 14 cases of elder abuse is reported, while others put the number as high as one out of every 23 cases. All told, however, the Senate Special Commission on Aging estimates that there may be as many as 5 million victims of elder abuse a year.

But with new laws which expand the definition of mandated reporter, why do so many cases of elder abuse go unreported? The problem is the psychological and physical damage to the victims is so severe that they will not admit to the abuse.

And when the police or social workers leave they get more severely abused. Or they report that the caller is the problem. The intake ppl think that they are the all mighty. Not only for the victim but for the caller too. Your email address will not be published.

Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer Elder Abuse Often Goes Unreported Unfortunately, the abuse and neglect of American Indian and Alaskan Native elders occurs with alarming frequency in tribal communities.

Comments Reporting is crucial.