World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is the perfect chance to learn more about abuse, where it happens, how to prevent it, and who is likely to be victimized. This day of awareness was started in 2006 in partnership with International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, making this an international effort to end some of the most egregious human rights violations. Recognized across the world on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a great opportunity to check out some of the resources that will help us work together to end elder abuse.
What is Abuse?
Abuse comes in many forms and includes neglect, physical abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, and more. According to the Welfare & Institutions Code § 15610 in California, elder abuse is defined as physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction, or other treatment resulting in harm, pain or mental suffering to an elder. California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR) continue this definition by saying that “it also means the deprivation by a care custodian of goods or services that are necessary to avoid physical harm or mental suffering. Undue influence is also considered to be elder abuse.”
Additionally, the American Medical Association Department of Legislation defines elder abuse as “an act or omission, which results in harm or threatened harm to the health or welfare of an elderly person.”
Despite clear definitions, though, it’s often difficult to recognize the signs of abuse, making it vital to not only stay alert, but be persistent in advocating for quality care.
Recognizing Abuse
Knowing even a few of the signs of abuse can help you be a better advocate and even save a life. Some of the most common signs are:
- Unusual changes in sleep and behavior
- Increased anxiety
- Broken bones and bruises
- Sexually transmitted diseases that occur without explanation
- Dehydration
- Poor hygiene
- Bedsores
- Other unexplained injuries
- Non responsiveness or being unusually withdrawn or depressed
Preventing Elder Abuse
The National Center on Elder Abuse recommends 5 steps to everyone for preventing elder abuse:
- Learn the signs
- Prevent isolation
- Talk to friends and family members
- Sign up to be a friendly visitor
- Send a letter or email to raise awareness of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
The greatest thing we can do is be a voice for the voiceless. Often nursing home residents have physical or mental health restrictions that prevent them from advocating or taking care of themselves, so it is up to their family, friends, and community to hold the nursing home accountable and advocate for everyone’s wellbeing.
To report elder abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) or local police.
Fact Sheets & Resources
As we continue to advocate for older Americans, here are three fact sheets to help us all stay informed.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Action Guide
Thank you for joining us in the fight to end elder abuse! For more resources for older Americans, check out our blog as well as your local department for the aging.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of abuse or neglect, call Gharibian Law (877-460-1187) today for a FREE consultation and the best legal representation.
