ABUSE NEGLECT EXPLOITATION

[Audio] ABUSE NEGLECT EXPLOITATION Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, or sexual harm inflicted upon an older adult, their financial exploitation, or neglect of their welfare by people who are directly responsible for their care. In the U.S. alone, more than half a million reports of elder abuse reach authorities every year, and millions more cases go unreported..

[Audio] As older adults become more physically frail, they're less able to take care of themselves, stand up to bullying, or fight back if attacked. Mental or physical ailments can make them more trying companions for those who live with them. And they may not see or hear as well or think as clearly as they used to, leaving openings for unscrupulous people to take advantage of them. Elder abuse tends to take place where the senior lives: where their abusers are often adult children, other family members such as grandchildren, or a spouse or partner. Elder abuse can also occur in institutional settings, especially long-term care facilities..

[Audio] DEFINITION OF "ABUSE" – USE SOMETHING TO BAD EFFECT OR FOR A BAD PURPOSE. Misuse. Treat a person or an animal with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly. The improper use of something. Cruel and violent treatment of a person or animal..

[Audio] DEFINITION OF "NEGLECT" Fail to care for properly. The state or fact of being uncared for..

[Audio] DEFINITION OF "EXPLOITATION" The action or fact of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work. The action of making use of and benfitng from resources..

[Audio] Abuse of elders takes many different forms, some involving intimidation or threats against the elderly, some involving neglect, and others involving financial trickery. The most common are: Physical elder abuse Emotional elder abuse Sexual elder abuse Financial exploitation Healthcare fraud and abuse Elder neglect Elder self-neglect.

[Audio] Signs of elder abuse can be difficult to recognize or mistaken for symptoms of dementia or the elderly person's frailty—or caregivers may explain them to you that way. In fact, many of the signs and symptoms of elder abuse do overlap with symptoms of mental deterioration, but that doesn't mean you should dismiss them on the caregiver's say-so. Frequent arguments or tension between the caregiver and the elderly person or changes in the personality or behavior in the elder can be broad signals of elder abuse. If you suspect abuse, but aren't sure, you can look for clusters of the following warning signs..

[Audio] Warning signs of abuse and neglect include: Bedsores (also called pressure ulcers or pressure sores) Bruises, broken bones, and burns Dehydration and malnutrition Falls that could have been prevented Insomnia and other sleep disturbance New or untreated medical condition Personal hygiene issues Significant personality changes.

[Audio] Physical abuse warning signs Unexplained signs of injury, such as bruises, welts, or scars, especially if they appear symmetrically on two sides of the body. Broken bones, sprains, or dislocations. A report of drug overdose or an apparent failure to take medication regularly (a prescription has more remaining than it should) Broken eyeglasses or frames. Signs of being restrained, such as rope marks on wrists..

[Audio] Emotional abuse warning signs Threatening, belittling, or controlling caregiver behavior. Behavior from the elder that mimics dementia, such as rocking, sucking, or mumbling to themselves..

[Audio] Sexual abuse warning signs Bruises around breasts or genitals. Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding. Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing..

[Audio] Elder neglect or self-neglect warning signs Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration. Untreated physical problems, such as bed sores. Unsanitary living conditions: dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes. Being left dirty or unbathed. Unsuitable clothing or covering for the weather. Unsafe living conditions (no heat or running water; faulty electrical wiring; other fire hazards)..

[Audio] Financial exploitation warning signs Significant withdrawals from the elder's accounts. Sudden changes in the elder's financial condition. Items or cash missing from the senior's household. Suspicious changes in wills, power of attorney, titles, and policies. Addition of names to the senior's signature card. Unnecessary services, goods, or subscriptions..

[Audio] Healthcare fraud or abuse warning signs Duplicate billings for the same medical service or device. Evidence of overmedication or under-medication. Evidence of inadequate care when bills are paid in full..

[Audio] Prevention tips for caregivers As a caregiver, the following steps can help you prevent elder abuse or neglect: Take immediate steps to relieve stress and burnout. Stress is a major contributor to elder abuse and neglect. You can help reduce your stress levels by regularly practicing stress-relieving techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Request help from friends, relatives, or local respite care agencies or find an adult daycare program. Every caregiver needs to take regular breaks from the stress of caring for an elder and to attend to their own needs, if only for a couple of hours. Learn techniques for getting your anger under control..

[Audio] Take care of yourself. If you are not getting enough rest, you are much more likely to succumb to anger. Eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and take care of your own medical needs. Seek help for depression. Family caregivers are especially at risk for depression, but there are plenty of things you can do to boost your mood and outlook and overcome the problem..

[Audio] Find a support group for caregivers of the elderly. Sharing your concerns and experiences with others facing the same challenges can help relieve the isolation you may be feeling as a caregiver. It can also be a great place to gain valuable tips and insight into caring for an elder. Get help for any substance abuse issues. It's never easy, but there are plenty of actions you can take to address drug or alcohol abuse. Get professional help. If you can't seem to stop yourself no matter how hard you try, it's time to get help by talking to a therapist..

[Audio] This information will be added later this week.