Elder people today are more
independent, more visible, and more active than ever before. They are living in
better health and longer as well. But as the population of senior Americans
increases, so does the hidden problem of senior citizens abuse, neglect, and
exploitation. Every year an estimated 4 million senior American population are victims
of emotional, sexual, physical, financial or other types of abuse and neglect. Those
figures may not narrate the real story. For every case of abuse reported to
concerned authorities, experts estimate that many cases go unnoticed.
The quality of life of elderly persons
who experience elder abuse and neglect is severely jeopardized, as they often experience
worsened financial status, poor self-rated health,increased emotional distress,
progressive dependency, and loneliness. Research also indicates that elders who
have not been neglected or abused tend to live longer than those who have been
abused, even in the presence of life-threatening disease or chronic conditions.
Now, you might be wondering: What can
be done to prevent elder abuse?To prevent elder abuse, you must know the
warning signs of elder abuse and neglect.
Clues That May Signal Elder Abuse- You
may notice the person-
Seems irritated, confuses or depressed
Gains or loses weight for no reason
Acts stressed or tense
Has trouble sleeping
Displays signs of pain, like biting
nails, rocking back and forth
Has burned or rope marks, unexplained
injuries
Stops taking part in activities she/he
enjoys
Looks shabby, with unwashed clothes or
dirty hair
Develops ulcers, bedsores or other
preventable conditions
How to prevent elder abuse?
Be selective about care facilities.
Look for any state assistance
available to the elderly for life planning.
Find competent elder abuse attorney in Orange County who can help you advocate for an aging family member.
