Elderly Abuse: What Is the Difference Between Advocacy and Intervention?

Elder abuse is the careless or intentional act of causing harm to an older adult. It can happen to any elderly person regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Abused older adults may be subjected to a single type of abuse or multiple forms. The abuser can be a spouse, child, grandchild, friend, neighbor or service provider. Advocates for elder rights and professionally conducted interventions provide support for older adults in abusive situations.

Types

• Physical abuse involves intimidation or use of force. Verbal or nonverbal actions that cause mental distress are considered emotional or psychological abuse. Sexual relations not granted by an older adult is sexual abuse, and the misuse of property or money is financial abuse. Neglect is when a caregiver fails to provide a safe and supportive environment, and abandonment is when a vulnerable adult is deserted by her caregiver. Self-neglect is the inability of an older adult to maintain his own safety.

Advocacy

• The role of an advocate is to spread the word about elder abuse, provide assistance to older adults and encourage the development of policies that support the elderly. The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse suggests that advocates can support older adults by visiting vulnerable elders, volunteering with a local community services agency, sharing concerns with policy makers and reporting suspicions of abuse. Family members, professionals and concerned citizens can advocate for elderly rights.

Intervention

• Once a report of alleged abuse has been received, local social service professionals begin an investigation. Depending on the situation, people close to the older adult may be interviewed and an evaluation of the situation will be conducted. If mistreatment is not confirmed, the case will be closed. In confirmed cases of abuse, support services will be offered to the victim with continued monitoring of the situation.

Services

• Interventions allow abused older adults to relocate to a safe environment or acquire a protective order against the abuser. A professional can provide legal support, supervision of finances or medical advice. Social service providers assist with personal cares, meals and transportation, and therapists offer counseling. Dependent older adults will be granted a guardian, conservatorship or power of attorney to assist with decisions and needed services. A competent older adult has the right to refuse services.

Awareness

• According to the National Elder Abuse Incidence Study, a 1998 National Center on Elder Abuse report, for every report of elder mistreatment, five cases go unreported. Awareness among older adults, family members and caregivers can help protect vulnerable elderly. Working together, advocates and professionals inform the public about the types and signs of abuse, the prevalence of mistreatment and the resources available for suspected abuse. Public awareness, advocacy and intervention can reduce the prevalence of abuse among older adults.