Essential Things to Know: Resources to Prevent Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse. Physical abuse may include hitting, slapping, kicking, or pushing. Emotional abuse may include insults, belittling, name-calling, or intimidation. Financial abuse could involve taking money or property without permission or taking advantage of the older person’s financial resources.

In this article, let’s explore resources that can address and prevent elder abuse. In this article, let’s explore them. Here’s what you need to know:

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is an issue that affects millions of elderly people around the world and is a growing concern. It can take many forms because it’s not limited to physical violence but can also include psychological, financial, or emotional abuse.

• Physical abuse is the most obvious form of elder abuse, but it is not the only form. Physical abuse can include hitting, pushing, slapping, pinching, kicking, shaking, and other forms of physical force. It can also include the use of restraints or drugs or the withholding of food or other necessities.

• Emotional abuse is another type of elder abuse. This abuse includes verbal attacks, threats, humiliation, isolation, and ignoring the senior This type of abuse can be just as damaging, if not more so, than physical abuse.

• Financial abuse is a common form of elder abuse and can involve taking money or property from a senior without their permission or knowledge. Financial abuse can also include taking advantage of a person’s financial resources or taking control of their finances.

• Sexual abuse is another type of elder abuse that is often overlooked. It can include unwanted sexual contact or activity, such as inappropriate touching or sexual assault.

Resources to Help Prevent Elder Abuse

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

AARP’s mission is to “enhance the quality of life for all as we age.” To achieve this, the organization provides a variety of services and benefits to its members. These include discounts on travel, health care, insurance, and other services. AARP also offers educational programs, such as healthcare workshops and financial planning seminars.

In addition to services and benefits, AARP also advocates for seniors on various issues. The organization lobbies for legislation that protects seniors’ rights and ensures that they get the care and services they need. AARP is also a leader in fighting ageism and discrimination against older adults.

Care Compare 

Care Compare is run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and is designed to help people compare nursing homes in their area. It provides detailed information on each facility, including a summary of the home’s performance, the number of beds available, and the types of services offered.

They also provide reviews and ratings from people who have experienced care at the nursing home. These reviews provide a more personal touch and can help you better understand the quality of care offered. The ratings are based on a five-star system, with one star being the lowest and five stars being the highest.

In addition to reviews and ratings, Care Compare also provides recommendations based on the information provided. These recommendations are tailored to the individual’s needs and can help narrow the potential choices.

National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)

The NCEA works to raise awareness of elder abuse issues and improve the quality of life for seniors who are abuse victims. The organization provides resources and information to individuals, families, and professionals who work with seniors. It also serves as a clearinghouse of information on the issue of elder abuse, providing the latest research, statistics, and best practices.

They provide various resources to the public, including fact sheets, reports, training materials, and a library of information on elder abuse. The organization also offers a toll-free HelpLine for individuals who need assistance or information about elder abuse.

The Bottom Line

Elder abuse is a serious and pervasive issue that affects millions of seniors each year, with devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. However, it is essential to remember that elder abuse is not inevitable and that there are ways to address and prevent it.

It is essential for individuals to be aware of the signs of elder abuse, to report cases of abuse, and to support policies and programs that create safe and supportive environments for seniors. When we protect our elders, we can make a difference in their lives and our communities.

If you are looking for the top personal injury law firm in Phoenix, you’re in the right place. Melanie Bossie, Mary Ellen Reilly, and Donna Oh founded Bossie, Reilly, & Oh to continue their mission to hold nursing homes, hospitals, group homes, and assisted living facilities accountable for the abuse and neglect of elders and vulnerable adults. 

Our firm has litigated hundreds of elder abuse and neglect cases and recovered many six- and seven-figure settlements and verdicts for our clients. We firmly believe that the elderly and most vulnerable in our community deserve a voice, and we take pride in advocating for them. Contact us today to learn more and get started!