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Faith Leaders Respond to Elder Abuse

Faith Leaders Respond to Elder Abuse. Presenter: ___________________ County: ____________________ Date: _____________________. “Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother”. 1.

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Faith Leaders Respond to Elder Abuse

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  1. Faith Leaders Respond to Elder Abuse Presenter: ___________________ County: ____________________ Date: _____________________ “Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother” 1

  2. The elderly are not valued in America. Yet, they are our parents and grandparents, the soldiers who landed at Normandy, the women who taught us to read. The helped make this country what it is today. They are my heroes… Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  3. Overview Overview • Why Learn About Elder Abuse? • What is Elder Abuse? • Who Must Report Elder Abuse? • What is Adult Protective Services? • When Should I Report? • How Do I Make a Report? • What Can I Do In My Congregation? Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  4. Why Learn About Elder Abuse? Faith leaders: • Are often the first stop for help; • May be the only other person (except the abuser) in the victim’s life; • Will be better prepared to help congregants; • May be required (by state law) to report. Knowing the warning signs… may save a life. Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  5. What Is Elder Abuse? • Elder Abuse: • any knowing, intentional, or negligent act • by a caregiver or any other person • that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable older person.* • Types of abuse • physical, emotional, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, abandonment, and neglect • *General definition used by the National Center on Elder Abuse. For more information see NCEA • Web site: http://www.elderabusecenter.org Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  6. What Is Elder Abuse? • A large problem—2-10% of older American population may be victims • A hidden problem—Only 1 in 5 victims are identified • A family problem—Perpetrators are often family members and people known to the elder • A serious problem—Abused elders four times more likely to die prematurely Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  7. What Is Elder Abuse? In (your state), the following categories of abuse are defined in law: Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  8. Where Does Elder Abuse Occur? Occurs wherever older Americans live • Own home • Apartment • Public housing • Nursing home • Board and care • Assisted living • Relative’s home Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  9. Who Are the Victims? • Men and women. Women more likely to be identified and reported • Socially isolated • Have dementia (stroke, Alzheimer’s disease) • Have mental illness or physical infirmities • Are trusting of others • Many are over 80 years old Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  10. What About Adults with Disabilities? • 4 –10 times higher risk of becoming a victim of crime • 10 times more likely to be sexually assaulted • Less likely to report abuse • Lower rates of police follow-up, prosecution, conviction Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  11. What are Red Flags? Potential Abusers • Have alcohol or substance abuse problems • Have mental health issues • Dependent on the older person, unemployed – no personal income • Family members, friends, neighbors, new “best friend” • Provider of care (paid or unpaid) Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  12. Who are the Abusers? • Spouses • Adult Children • Other Relatives(grandchildren, nieces, nephews) • Friends, Neighbors • Caregivers • Others Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  13. Facts and Figures in Our Area • In (state/county), the data shows that: Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  14. More Facts and Figures… Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  15. Why Abuse Is Not Reported • Ageism—Unfavorable attitude towards older people • Disbelief—“They’re such an upstanding family” • Lack of knowledge of signs of abuse • Lack of knowledge of reporting procedures • Reluctance or fear of confronting the offender • Fear of jeopardizing relationship with elder or elder’s family • Mistreated person requests it not be reported Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  16. SIGNS OF ELDER ABUSE Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  17. Elder's report of being mistreated Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, poor personal hygiene Unattended/untreated health problems Hazardous or unsafe living conditions: improper wiring, no heat, no running water Unsanitary living conditions—dirt, fleas, lice, soiled bedding, fecal/urine odors, inadequate clothing What are some Warning Signs ofNeglect? Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  18. What are some Warning Signs ofAbandonment? Warning Signs Abandonment • Elder's own report of being abandoned • Desertion of an elder at a • nursing facility or other similar institution • shopping center • other public location Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  19. What are some Warning Signs ofPhysical Abuse? Physical Abuse Warning Signs • Elder’s report of being hit, slapped, kicked, etc.. • Findings of medication over- or under-utilization • Signs of being punished or restrained • Elder's sudden change in behavior • Caregiver's refusal to allow visitors to see an elder alone Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  20. Bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, rope marks Broken or fractured bones, skull fractures Open wounds, cuts, punctures, untreated injuries in various stages of healing Sprains, dislocations, bleeding Broken eyeglasses or frames What are some Warning Signs ofPhysical Abuse? Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  21. What are some Warning Signs ofFinancial Abuse? • Sudden changes in bank account or banking practice • Inclusion of additional names on bank signature card • Unauthorized withdrawal using elder's ATM • Abrupt changes in will or other financial documents • Unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  22. What are some Warning Signs of Financial Abuse? Warning SignsFinancial Abuse • Disparity between assets and living conditions • Forged signature on financial transactions or titles of possessions • Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming rights to elder's affairs and possessions • Unexplained sudden transfer of assets to a family member or someone outside the family • Elder's report of financial exploitation Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  23. What are some Warning Signs ofEmotional Abuse? Warning Signs Emotional Abuse • Elder's report of being verbally or emotionally mistreated. • Emotionally upset or agitated • Extremely withdrawn, non-communicative, non-responsive • Unusual behavior usually attributed to dementia—sucking, biting, rocking Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  24. What are some Warning Signs ofSexual Abuse? Warning Signs Sexual Abuse • Elder's report of being sexually assaulted or raped • Bruises around the breasts or genital area • Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections • Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing Bruises around the breasts or genital area Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing Elder's report of being sexually assaulted or raped Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  25. What are some Warning Signs ofSelf Neglect? • When the person because of depression, confusion, dementia or alcoholism does not take care of him or herself. • Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated or improperly attended medical conditions, poor personal hygiene • Hazardous or unsanitary living conditions • Inappropriate or inadequate clothing • Lack of the necessary medical aids—eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures • Homelessness Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  26. Is Elder Abuse a Crime? • Penal Code Section ____ provides that: Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  27. If I Suspect Abuse… What Should I Do? • You play an important role as a “sentinel” or “gatekeeper” for an abused person in your community • If you suspect that something is amiss, call your local Adult Protective Services Program. It is not your responsibility to investigate abuse • APS will consult with you about the case. If they believe a report needs to be made, they will take the necessary informationfrom you Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  28. Are Clergy Required to Report? • In (your state) the reporting policy: Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  29. Adult Protective Services (APS) • An essential part of our community safety net. • Helps vulnerable adults who are in danger of being mistreated or neglected • Helps those unable to protect themselves Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  30. What Does APS Do? • Prevents and alleviates harm resulting from abuse, neglect or exploitation: • Receives reports • Investigates needs and risks • Develops case plans • Provides and monitors services • Offers needed services • Competent adults may refuse APS help • Collaborates with other services to meet elders’ needs Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  31. What Does APS Do? Our (state/area) APS program includes: Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  32. Who Should I Call? To report abuse that occurs in the Community (i.e. private home, hotel, senior center) Call: Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  33. Long Term CareOmbudsman(LTCO) Adult Protective Services (APS) • LTCO is a unique, nationwide program • Provides advocacy for residents of nursing homes, board and care, and other long term care facilities. Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  34. What Does the LTCO Do? Advocate for Residents • Receives and resolves complaints about resident care • Educates residents, families and communities on • Resident Rights • Quality Care • Collaborates on policy change to meet resident needs Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  35. What Does the LTCO Do? Our LTCO program includes: Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  36. Who Should I Call? To report abuse that occurs in a Long Term Care Facility (e.g., nursing home, assisted living facility) Call: Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  37. If someone tells me about abuse… What Should I Do? • Be patient • Do not act shocked, keep your demeanor calm • Reassure the person that he or she is not to blame • Let him or her know that he or she is not alone. Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  38. I have never reported before…What is Involved? In (state/area), the protocol for reporting elder abuse includes: Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  39. What information do I give? • Your name • Victim’s name • Victims address/location • Your observations and concerns • Who is the suspected abuser? • Can the victim walk, hear, see, etc.? • Anyone else who should be contacted. • Contact information. Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  40. Do I have to make a written report? • In (state/area) the policy includes: Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  41. What happens after I report? What happens after I report? • You can expect a professional & confidential response: Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  42. I am not a trained investigator… How can I recognize abuse? • No one expects you to be the experts on abuse or to know all the warning signs • Sometimes abuse is so obvious that there is no question whether to report it • If you are concerned and you think something is going on, call the professionals at APS. They are trained to investigate and make that decision Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  43. What if I don’t report? In (your state), if a mandated reporter fails to report abuse: Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  44. Are there times when… I should not report? • The short answer is, no: • Some Faith Leaders believe that they can assist an elder or a family without reporting abuse • If you have been told, or reasonably believe that abuse is taking place, it is very important that you report it • Let the experts assist the elder and the family. Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  45. What about my relationship with my congregation member? Abused persons will often drop hints or tell someone about the abuse because they know they need help • If, having been told about the abuse, you do not report it, you may be sending a message to the older person that what is happening to them is not serious • In addition, in (your state), if you do not report reasonable suspicions, there are/are not legal consequences Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  46. What if I see early warning signs of abuse? You can help prevent it before it gets serious: • Take time to meet alone with the older person. Tell him or her what you know about some of the risk factors of elder abuse (e.g., adult child who is financially dependent). • Tell him/her of your concern. • Explain the role of APS. Encourage him/her to seek help before abuse occurs or worsens. Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  47. What if the elder wants help but… The elder may want help but doesn’t want to get the alleged abuser in trouble. • This is a very common response of older abused people, especially when the abuser is a family member • Remind the abused person that help is available to him or her and that it is better to seek help than to try to handle a difficult situation alone. • Encourage them to talk with APS • APS may be able to refer the alleged abuser to services (e.g., drug or alcohol treatment), however, these are also voluntary and may be rejected by the abuser Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  48. What if the elder seems confused… The elder may seem confused. It’s not clear that he/she understands the situation. • Sometimes dementia, mental illness, or other factors may hamper an older person’s cognition • An assessment may indicate that the elder does not have the capacity to make informed judgments about his or her care. • Adult Protective Services, may, on an emergency basis, or with court approval, act on behalf of the elder’s best interest, even without his or her consent. • The procedure for such actions varies from state to state Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  49. What about “caregiver stress” and elder abuse? The abuser says that “caregiver stress” is causing the abuse, how can I help? • Caregiving is, without question, a stressful endeavor. However, research shows that stress related to caregiving is not the cause of elder abuse. Some people should not be entrusted with care of an elder. If these people become caregivers, they may abuse and blame the stress for the abuse. • Be careful not to come to the support of the caregiver without also seriously considering the safety of the older person. The safety of the older person should be your foremost concern. Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

  50. What about forgiveness? Shouldn’t the abusers be forgiven? • Forgiveness does not mean returning to an abusive situation. • An abused person may one day find that forgiveness is possible. • However, no one should be told to put up with an abusive situation because their faith calls on them to forgive the abuser’s transgressions. Faith Leaders Respond to Elder AbuseNCEA, 2005 Grant #90 AM 2457

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