by U.S. Surgeon General VADM Jerome M. Adams and Lance Robertson, ACL Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging
Elder abuse is more common than we may imagine, even in the Reading / Berks County area. Here is a timely article from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services brought to you by Attorney Scott C. Painter, P.C.
Elder abuse is a critical social, health, and economic problem. Approximately 10 percent of adults age 60 and older have experienced physical abuse, psychological or verbal abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Older Americans lose an estimated $2.9 billion a year as a result of financial exploitation. In the most heartbreaking cases, it means the complete loss of savings earned through decades of hard work.
Elder abuse also is a critical public health issue. Survivors report higher rates of depression. They often withdraw from social interactions, and many blame themselves, which results in shame and silence and magnifies these effects. They also have higher rates of hospitalization and institutionalization, at an estimated annual cost to our nation’s healthcare system of $5.3 billion. They are three times more likely to die prematurely.
Elder abuse intersects other public health concerns as well. For example, social isolation is associated with many negative health outcomes and also increases the risk of abuse. A decline in cognitive health increases risk as well, adding an additional facet to the challenges associated with the growing numbers of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Elder abuse also overlaps with the opioid crisis. The conditions that prescription opioids are used to treat are more prevalent in older adults, making their medicine cabinets a target for theft. Addiction can drive family members to target the life savings of vulnerable elders to pay for drugs — and to become violent if denied.
The good news is that there are things all of us can do to fight elder abuse. If you are an older adult, staying engaged in your community helps make it harder for predators to target you – and it also puts you in position to help spot abuse of others. Financial vigilance can help. If you hear about an offer or prize that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you are making a big purchase or investment, do not let anyone rush you into a decision, and don’t sign any documents that you do not completely understand without checking with a lawyer or trusted family member. Finally, consider these tips to protect your medications. Remember, if it happens to you, it is not your fault, and help is available.
We all should be aware of some common signs of abuse. These include bedsores, unexplained bruises, sudden changes in behavior, large bank withdrawals, and appearing frightened around particular people. You can report any of these “flags” to your local adult protective services agency – even if you’re not certain that abuse is happening.
Above all else, if you have older loved ones, stay in touch.
(Adapted from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, https://acl.gov/news-and-events/acl-blog/elder-abuse-public-health-issue-affects-all-us-0, accessed May 26, 2021)
If you need legal advice in managing an estate, trust, other elder law issue or veteran’s benefits, the Law Office of Scott C. Painter can help. We specialize in elder law issues ranging from nursing home planning, guardianship, wills, trusts, estates, veteran’s benefits, and other related legal matters. Attorney Scott Painter is CELA® certified under the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF).
If you have an issue or question, we encourage you to call us. With legal matters, time is of the essence. Call us for a consultation at 610-378-5140. The $300 consultation fee is waived if Attorney Painter is retained to perform services.