Latest Update as of June 2023
Elderly people are like trees in our lives, full of love and having a vast experience about living. Our Elders are one of our most priceless resources. They should always be treated with gentleness and deepest respect. The elderly are the connection to our past and hold the stories and truths of our family history. Sadly, this is not always the same for many of our loved ones.
According to World Health Organization, Elder abuse defines as “a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship with an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. This type of violence constitutes a violation of human rights and includes physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse; financial and material abuse; abandonment; neglect; and serious loss of dignity and respect”.
Some of the Significant Warnings of Elder Abuse may include, but are not limited to:
1. Pain that is new or different
2. Fear or Anxiety
3. Depression
4. Isolated or not Responsive
5. Torn, Stained, or Blood on undergarments or clothing
6. Soiled, Unkempt Hygiene
7. Poor living conditions
8. Lack of medical aids, glasses, walker, wheelchair, hearing aids, medication
9. Sudden change in function or mobility
10. Unusual weight loss, Poor nutrition, Dehydration
11. Change in overall mood or behavior
12. Bills not paid, Money missing, Utilities turned off, Significant changes in finances
Now when it comes to the Types of Abuse Against Older People, some of it include:
1. Physical: Hitting, pushing, restraining, or confining; anything that causes physical pain or disability
2. Emotional: Bullying, shaming, habitual blaming, ignoring, isolating, causing distress or distress, degrading, mocking, insulting, using silence or profanity
3. Sexual Abuse: Sexual harassment, sexual activity without consent (rape), forcing seniors to watch sexual acts or undress
4. Financial Abuse: Stealing money, property titles, or possessions; taking over accounts or bills; spending without permission; abusing the power of attorney privilege; scamming/lying
5. Financial Neglect: Allowing essential bills such as mortgages, utilities, insurance, medical bills, or property taxes to go unpaid, resulting in foreclosure notices, eviction, foreclosure, or no insurance coverage
6. Financial Exploitation- Misuse or exploitation of property, belongings, or assets. For example: using an Elder’s money, credit cards, or property without consent, under false pretenses, or through intimidation and manipulation
7. Health Care Fraud- Health care professionals overbill or bill twice for services, falsify claims, or bill for services not rendered
8. Elder Internet, Mail, and Phone Scams- Elderly people are often the victims of significant financial losses due to scams masquerading as charitable donations, investment opportunities, lottery winnings, sweepstakes, or making wire transfers to thieves impersonating a family member.
9. Spiritual/Moral Abuse: Denying access to services or religious leaders, mocking the victim's values or religion, ignoring or mocking cultural or religious traditions, intimidating and threatening for practicing beliefs
10. Neglect: Failure to fulfill duties or obligations for elders, not caring for hygiene or condition of the home, poor nutrition, bed sores, soiled undergarments, medical neglect-missed appointments, not reporting medical issues
11. Self-Neglect: The elderly's refusal to take care of themselves; inadequate nutrition, poor clothing, lack of or poor housing, poor hygiene, failure to take medication, and failure to follow safety precautions
In many cases, Elders cannot advocate for themselves. Adults may feel ashamed or afraid to report their abuser for fear of retaliation, which will result in further abuse. Due to this, Elder abuse often goes unreported.
Talk to the Elder when you are alone and offer them help to be their voice. If you suspect someone is abusing an Elder, report it. If the Elder resides in a residential or assisted living home or is cared for by an in-home caretaker, report this to a supervisor or report it directly to Adult Protective Services at 855-444-3911 or call the Statewide APS Reporting Line at (808) 832-5115. You don't have to prove abuse is happening to report it. The abuse may be from another resident and not the caregiver, so be sure to report it to someone in charge.
To help you provide the best assistance as well for your elderly, Nursing Care Hawaii also offers a vast array of personal services that may assist you or your loved ones recover from an illness or injury, regain or maintain independence, and manage your condition in the privacy and comfort of your own homes. We also provide our Elderly the personalized nursing and rehabilitative care they need and life enrichment, physically rejuvenating, and spiritually uplifting activities of their choice that aim to improve and maintain their well-being.
Let's CELEBRATE and HONOR our Seniors. After all, we wouldn't be here without them.
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