The Holidays are a Prime Time for Elder Abuse

While it is important to be on the lookout for the variety of scams targeting older adults, it is also important to know that most elder abuse is committed by family members. And, abuse by family members often goes beyond the financial to the emotional and even the physical.
 
At the individual level, there are small steps we can all take to prevent and address elder abuse. 

• Provide social support: It is important to ensure that older adults don’t become isolated. Be sure to check in on them or ask others to do so if you are not close by.
• Give caregivers a break: Caregiver stress may contribute to forms of abuse.
• Pay attention to details: Notice the appearance of bruises on the body or the disappearance of money from bank accounts.
• Start conversations:  Older parents should be clear with their children and caretakers about what they want as they age. Elder abuse should be openly discussed as the stigma around it only helps hide it.
• Know where to go: Call 911 in an emergency, or Adult Protective Services in your county. Also The National Center on Elder Abuse has resources available online.

 
Perhaps the most meaningful gift you can give an older adult, and your future self, is attention to their health and safety and wishes-- not just during the holidays but all the days of the year.
 
Source: www.ncea.acl.gov/Suspect-Abuse.aspx
 
Brought to you by the St. Hubert Domestic Violence Outreach Ministry