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Ways to Stop Elderly Abuse

Elderly abuse often constitutes a hidden crime. The elderly person may be frail, isolated and dependent on her abuser. The abuse may stem from a family member or nursing home staff. It may take the form of physical, financial, sexual or mental abuse, or neglect. (According to houseofrefugeministries.net, 50 percent of the elderly abuse cases reported in Missouri were related to neglect.) Stopping elderly abuse first requires responsible parties to identify its existence.

  1. Knowing The Signs

    • A person with an elderly family member or friend should act on any suspicions she may have, and know the signs of abuse. These cover a wide range. A noticeable change in the elderly person's demeanor or appearance may speak volumes, though there may of course be another explanation for this. If an elderly person's finances become depleted, or she exhibits unexplained bruises, you should be alert to a possible abuse problem. You may also notice that she seems low in mood, frightened or tearful, or reacting fearfully in the presence of the abuser.

    Talk About It

    • If you know, or reasonably suspect that abuse is taking place, you must not keep this to yourself. Ask the elderly person outright, but do not persist in the conversation if this upsets him. Discuss the issue with another trusted family member. If the abuse takes place in a nursing home, make an official complaint to your local Elderly Services Department. The nursing home should also have a complaints' procedure: documented and readily available to residents and their relatives. However, you may not have complete faith in this, particularly if you believe that more than one staff member is involved.

    Legal Measures

    • You can seek legal advice from an attorney who specializes in elderly care. You may need to ensure the eldely victim's immediate removal from her present home. If another family member is the abuser that person may need to be ejected from the home. The protection of the elderly person should act as your primary goal. You may need to inform the police and/or step in yourself and become the elderly person's temporary care-giver.

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