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Physical
Abuse
Physical
abuse is the infliction of physical harm or injury
upon an elder by a person who stands in a position
of trust or who has care or custody of the older
person. This includes, but is not limited to, direct
beatings, sexual assault, unreasonable physical
restraint, or prolonged deprivation of food or water.
Physical
indicators include but are not limited to:
- Unexplained bruises or welts
- Injuries that are incompatible
with explanations
- Cuts, pinch marks, skin tears,
lacerations or puncture wounds
- Malnourishment or dehydration
- An untreated medical condition
- Injuries that reflect outline
of object used to inflict it - electric cord,
belt, hand, etc.
- Soiled clothing or bed
- Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
- Home and yard in obvious need
of repair
- Bruises or welts in various stages
of healing
Psychological Abuse The
willful infliction of mental suffering, by a person
in a position of trust with the elder person, constitutes
psychological abuse. Examples of such abuse are
verbal assaults, threats, instilling fear, humiliation,
intimidation, or isolation.
Behavior
indicators include but are not limited to:
- Confusion
- Fear
- Extreme forgetfulness
- Withdrawn
- Depression
- Helplessness
- Anger
- Disoriented about time and place
- Telling implausible stories
- Hesitant to talk freely
Neglect Neglect
occurs when a caretaker denies an older person food,
medication, proper clothing, hygiene, or medical
attention. Unfortunately, neglect is an all too
common occurrence. In many cases, the caretaker
who neglects an elder is not aware of or sensitive
to how severe the consequences of his/her actions
can be.
Social
indicators include but are not limited to:
- Elder is isolated or lonely,
with no friends or relatives who drop by.
- Elder is exposed to health and
safety hazards.
- Elder's interaction or activity
within the family is restricted or prohibited.
- Elder is not given the opportunity
to speak for him/herself or see others without
the caregiver present.
Financial (fiduciary) abuse: Financial
abuse occurs when a caretaker or a person in a position
of trust with the elder person misuses that person's
funds or property, commits theft, embezzlement,
extortion or fraud.
Financial
indicators include, but are not limited to:
- Unusual activity in bank acconts.
- Signatures on checks and other
documents incompatible with the elders's signature.
- Lack of amenities - TV, personal
grooming items, appropriate clothing.
- Pattern of spending changes -
purchases of things the elderly person does not
need or cannot use.
- Numerous unpaid bills and overdue
rent.
- The elder is denied neccessary
placement and/or services because caregiver is
unwilling to spend the money.
Caregiver
indicators:
- Caregiver asks only financial
questions, not questions related to care
- Caregiver has no obvious means
of support
- Caregiver feels overwhelmed by
the level of care needed by the elder
- Caregiver has the following problems
or behavior:
- Problems with alcohol or drugs
- Previous history of abuse of others
- Anger or indifference toward the elder
- Emotional or psychiatric problems
- Unwilling or reluctant to comply with service
providers
- Inappropriate defensiveness
- Aggressive behavior towards the elder - threats,
harassment, insults
- Concern that too much money is being spent on
the care of the elder
Preventing Elder Abuse
Don't
be a victim. Don't let others be victims. It is
very important for the elderly, their family members,
and thier friends to be part of the solution to
the problem of elder abuse. Be aware of elder abuse
and the indicators, and report it to proper agencies
or law enforcement.
Reporting Elder Abuse
Reporting suspected elder abuse is not difficult.
The following agencies and law enforcement can often
intervene before serious injury occurs. Report what
you see and hear, and the responsible authorities
will take it from there.
To
report suspected elder abuse taking place in a nursing
home, convalescent hospital, or extended care facility
contact the Long Term Care Ombudsperson Services
24-hour hotline (800) 231-4024 or (805) 656-1986.
To report suspected elder abuse in a private residence,
contact Human Services Agency Adult Protective Services
24-hour hotline (805) 654-3200
Resources
Local Police Agencies:
- Police Protection Emergency
Situations 911
- Camarillo Police Department (805)
388-5100
- Fillmore Police Department (805)
524-2233
- Moorpark/Thousand Oaks Police
(805) 494-8200
- Ojai Police Department (805)
646-1414
- Oxnard Police Department (805)
486-1663
- Port Hueneme Police Department
(805) 986-6530
- Santa Paula Police Department
(805) 933-4231
- Simi Valley Police Department
(805) 583-6950
- Ventura Police Department (805)
339-4400
- Ventura County District Attorney's
Office (805) 654-2500
- Ventura County Sheriff's Department (805)
654-2380
Local
Elder Services:
- Area Agency on Aging (805) 477-7300
or (800) 510-2020
- District Attorney Consumer Complaints
(805) 654-3180
- District Attorney Crime Victims'
Assistance Program (805) 654-3622
- Grey Law Legal Services (805)
658-2266
- Human Services Agency Adult Protective
Services (805) 654-3200 (24-hour hotline)
- Jewish Family Services (805)
641-6565
- Long Term Care Ombudsman Services
(805) 656-1986 (24-hour hotline (800) 231-4024)
- Senior Outreach Services (805)
652-7820
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