Shielding Our Seniors: Recognizing and Preventing Elder Abuse

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is commemorated on June 15th each year to spotlight the issue of the abuse and neglect of older persons, emphasizing the societal, cultural, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. This day calls upon individuals, organizations and communities to elevate awareness and initiate conversations about the prevention of elder abuse. Elder abuse can manifest in many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse, as well as neglect and abandonment. The abusers can be family members, caregivers, healthcare providers or strangers. Unfortunately, it remains a largely hidden issue, often going unreported due to the vulnerability and isolation of the elderly population. Here’s everything you need to know on how to prevent elder abuse, ensuring the safety and dignity of our older citizens:

Identifying Signs of Elder Abuse

Identifying the signs of elder abuse is crucial for protecting vulnerable seniors from harm. Here are the key indicators of elder abuse:

• Physical and Emotional Signs: Look for unexplained bruises, burns or scars, signs of depression, confusion, or withdrawal and isolation from friends and family. 
• Neglect: Signs might include poor hygiene, untreated medical issues and under- or over-medication. 
• Financial Abuse: Watch for unexplained withdrawals from financial accounts, another person making financial decisions for the elder unexpectedly or changes to wills and other financial documents. 

How to Help

If you suspect that an elder is being abused, it’s crucial to talk to them privately and offer help. Contacting local adult protective services, law enforcement or consulting with legal services can provide the necessary support and intervention.

Protecting Elders from Abuse

• Financial Safeguards: Encourage seniors to discuss financial planning with trusted professionals to ensure their wishes are respected should they become incapacitated. Important documents should be kept secure, and regular checks on financial accounts are recommended to spot any unauthorized transactions. 
• Scam Education and Awareness: Help educate seniors to recognize and avoid popular scams such as account takeovers, tech support fraud and romance schemes. By staying informed about these deceptive tactics, individuals can better protect themselves from becoming victims. 
• Personal Information Security: Seniors should be cautious about sharing personal information. Remind them that financial institutions won't ask for sensitive information like PINs or passwords over the phone or via email. 
• Regular Reviews: Ordering copies of credit reports annually can help seniors monitor for any fraudulent activity or unauthorized changes to their financial accounts. 

Resources for Assistance and More Information

• National Center on Elder Abuse: Offers resources to learn about how to report abuse and where to find help. 
• Eldercare Locator: A public service connecting users to services for older adults and their families can also be reached at 800.677.1116. 
• AARP Fraud Watch Network and Consumer Financial Protection Board: Provide additional resources and tools to help protect elders from financial abuse. 

By staying informed and vigilant, we can all contribute to the safety and well-being of the elderly in our communities, ensuring they live their later years with dignity and security.