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Elder abuse a disturbing reality

Aug 24, 2007 | Molly Hofer | Kane County Chronicle

Elder abuse is a disturbing reality in today's society. The risk of being abused, neglected or exploited is real for many older people. Family members or other caregivers most often are the abusers. The problem crosses geographic, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic barriers.

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), "Elder abuse in domestic settings is a widespread problem, possibly affecting hundreds of thousands of elderly people across the country. However, because it is still largely hidden under the shroud of family secrecy, this type of abuse is grossly under-reported."

In fact, many experts agree that the reported numbers represent only the "tip of the iceberg." It is estimated that only one out of 14 domestic elder abuse cases is reported to the authorities.

In Illinois, it is estimated that 4 percent to 5 percent of the older population (about 80,000 people) is abused. Only 5,000 cases or so are reported each year. Six out of 10 reported cases are substantiated after investigation.

Types of elder abuse could include physical, sexual or emotional abuse and neglect or financial exploitation.

It is possible that more than one type of abuse may be suspected in any given case. Financial exploitation and emotional abuse are the most common in Illinois.

The typical victim of elder abuse is a widowed, white female in her mid-70s or older and living on a limited income. The older person usually lives with the perpetrator, who often is a spouse or adult child.

Elder victims often do not report being abused. Fearing retaliation by the abuser, being ashamed of the situation or worrying about having to leave one's home are some of the reasons older adults do not report abuse.

The typical abuser most often is the adult child or spouse of the victim. The abuser might depend on the older person for housing, financial assistance or emotional support. Research shows that caregiver stress, alcohol or substance abuse and emotional and/or financial problems are factors in many instances of abuse.

Just as there are many types of abuse, there also are numerous signs or symptoms that abuse may be taking place. The following signs do not always indicate an abusive situation but can be important clues to possible abuse or neglect.

Symptoms of an abused older person:

 - Unusual or unexplained injuries (cuts, bruises, burns)

 - Unkempt appearance

 - Pressure or bed sores

 - Confinement against will (tied to furniture or locked in room)

 - Dehydration or malnutrition without a medical cause

 - Fear

 - Withdrawal

 - Depression

 - Anxiety

 - Visits to many doctors or hospitals

 - Strange and inconsistent explanations for injuries

 - Helplessness

 - Hesitation to talk openly

Symptoms of an abuser:

 - Verbally assaulting, threatening or insulting the older person

 - Concerned only with the older person's financial situation and not his or her health or well-being

 - Problems with alcohol or drug abuse

 - Not allowing the older person to speak for himself or herself

 - Blaming the older person

 - Attitudes of indifference or anger toward the older person

 - Socially isolating the older person from others

The Illinois Elder Abuse and Neglect Act became law in 1988. As a result, the Elder Abuse and Neglect Program was implemented under the direction of the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA). This program was established to respond to reports of alleged elder abuse, neglect and exploitation and to work with the older victims in resolving abusive situations. Services are available to those persons age 60 and older.

After a report is made, trained case workers assess the situation and provide information and assistance to help the older person and family resolve their problems. Programs and services include, but are not limited to, respite care for the caregiver, adult day care, housing assistance, and nutrition resources.

If elder abuse is suspected, calls can be made to the IDOA hot line at (800) 252-8966, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (voice and T.D.D.), or to (800) 279-0400 evenings, weekends and holidays.