Reported Cases of Elder Abuse Sharply Increase
Recently, a Connecticut Post article analyzed data and statistics on elder abuse. The numbers confirm that sadly, elder abuse and neglect is on a sharp incline. With statistics showing that elder abuse is on the rise, it is incumbent on our society to put in protections for our most vulnerable seniors.
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is a bit of a loaded term. We imagine a frail older person being hit by their caretaker. However, this is only a small minority of elder abuse cases.
So what is elder abuse? This category encompasses intentional bad treatment, as well as negligent treatment, of a person over the age of 65.
For example, all of the following are examples of elder abuse:
- Physical abuse;
- Withholding medication, food or water to an older person in need;
- Nursing home negligence;
- Financial exploitation of a vulnerable elder person;
- Using intimidation, fear or emotional harassment to manipulate an elderly person;
- Assisted living neglect;
- Ignoring an older person’s needs;
- Home health aide negligence; and,
- A caretakers failure to assist an older person with their ADL’s (activities of daily living).
Common injuries associated with elder abuse and neglect include:
- pressure sores;
- unexplained broken bones;
- bruising and open wounds;
- rapid weight loss;
- a drastic personality change; and/or,
- loss of contact or interest with others.
Recent CT Elder Abuse Statistics
The article details that reported cases of elder abuse are skyrocketing in Connecticut. What is occurring in Connecticut is a microcosm of what is going on at large in the rest of America.
It was reported that:
The number of reported abuse cases rose from 3,529 to 7,196 during [the past three years]. In 2017 alone, the state Department of Social Services received 11,123 reports of elder abuse and decided that 7,196 warranted an investigation . . . It’s all trending up”
Shockingly, the elder abuse data confirmed a sharp rise in sexual abuse of the elderly.
The federal government agency tasked with elder abuse prevention estimates that 10% of seniors suffer some form of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. This is simply unacceptable.
How You Can Prevent Elder Abuse
If you suspect a vulnerable older person is being neglected or abuse, blow the whistle. Only by exposing elder abuse can we reasonably anticipate stopping it.
As elder abuse attorneys, we have put together an exhaustive resource which includes phone numbers and websites where you can report abuse or neglect in your state.
Learn more by clicking the link and report the elder abuse.
