Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15, 2009

Monday 6/15/09 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day. I wanted to share 'What are the signs of Elder abuse?'
* Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, puncture wounds, cuts, sunken eyes and/or welts.
* Excessive fears, withdrawal, agitation.
* Changes in appetite or unusual weight gain or loss.
* Poor personal hygiene.
* Unexplained changes in health, personality or behavior.
* Frequent arguments or tension between the elder and his/her caregiver.
* Unsanitary or unsafe living conditions.
* Unnecessary services. goods or subscriptions.
* Sudden inability to pay bills, buy food or personal items.
* Financial activity the elder could not have done.
* suspicious changes in wills, POA, titles and policies.

What can you do as a concerned friend or family member?
* If you suspect abuse, REPORT IT!
* Monitor the elder's medication
* Ask the elder if someone they trust could review their bank statements, credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
* Pay attention to "new" friends
* Offer to assist the elder with household needs (lawn care, repair work, etc.)
* Call and visit as often as possible
* Get acquainted with the elder's neighbors-enlist their help.

Exploitation

What does exploitation mean? According to the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) exploitation is defined as: an act of forcing, compelling or exerting undue influence over a resident causing the resident to act in a way that is inconsistent with relevant past behavior or causing the resident to perform services for the benefit of another (not their usual behavior). Because our elderly are often lonely or isolated due to inability to get out anyone extending a friendly hand is often welcomed. To help an elderly person not be a victim of exploitation when asking how they are doing be specific. Ask them how they are getting their groceries, assist them to utilize community available transport or locate grocery stores that offer a delivery service. When there is a scam reported in the news let the elderly people in your life know about the scam and how to protect themselves. The most important safeguard is to have frequent contact and if possible visit often. If you believe someone has been the victim of exploitation call the complaint resolution unit or Adult protective services for your area.