Elder Abuse: A Continuing Problem in the United States
A recent report highlights the risks faced by an aging population. The report finds 10 percent of people age 60 and older have suffered a form of elder abuse and government programs are underfunded.
June 14, 2012
The National Academy on an Aging Society has released its Public Policy & Aging Report (PPAR) that finds as many as one in 10 people age 60 and over has suffered some form of elder abuse. The National Academy is the policy institute of The Gerontological Society of America.Elder abuse covers a broad range of mistreatment, from physical abuse in a nursing home, to other forms neglect, including psychological and sexual abuse, and financial exploitation by caregivers and family members.
Seniors are at risk by a great number of causes. Some have diminished mental capacity, and can be subject to swindles and outright theft of their income or savings. Many are physically weakened by advanced age, disease or injury, and can be assaulted by care providers.
Broad Effects
The study authors also found that the mistreatment of the senior population has additional affects the health and economic security of victims, their families, the community and nation.
One report demonstrated that elder abuse, unsurprisingly, leads to greater mortality, injury and disease. It drives higher healthcare costs, by increasing nursing home admissions by a factor of four.
Not Just Physical Abuse
When people think of elder abuse, they may have an image of someone being abused in a long-term care facility.
The report notes, "Elder abuse encompasses mistreatment, neglect, and exploitation of a physical, psychological, or sexual nature." It is important for family and friends to be aware of the possible kinds of mistreatment. Sometimes they may be financially exploited by a seemingly well-intentioned or not-so-well-intentioned family member.
Significant Underfunding
In 2009, federal agencies spent $11.9 million for all activities related to elder abuse. The report contrasts this amount with the annual funding for violence against women programs ($649 million).
The report concludes that with the services provided by seven federal agencies, the most basic needs are not met to protect older adults from mistreatment, neglect and exploitation.
As an example, they point out that the Elder Justice Act, which was signed into law as part of 2010's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, has received no appropriations from Congress to date.
At a time when the need is increasing, most states are cutting spending. Recently, a survey in 30 states reported that 60 percent of Adult Protective Services (APS) programs have faced an average of 14 percent budget cuts.
These two-thirds of those states' APS programs reported an average increase of 24% in elder abuse reports. While funding has been cut or reduced, most studies find the majority of incidents of elder abuse are never reported to the APS programs.
In the clamor for lowering taxes, people often forget that we all will grow old and someday need a degree of additional care. Only government can provide the necessary oversight to create standards and enforce them. An Alzheimer patient is in no position to police his or her own care, and without adequately funded and staffed supervision, the potential for abuse is great.
Speak to Someone
Personal injury attorneys can help if you suspect a situation presents a potential case of elder abuse, or if elder abuse has already occurred.
If you have family or friends who are in a long-term care facility or nursing home or even vulnerable in their own home, be aware of circumstances that do not feel right. Contact the state regulatory agency or an elder abuse attorney.
They can advise you of how to best help in this situation. Given the current lack of funding, this problem will only become more prevalent with the aging of the population.
Article provided by Snyder & Wenner, PC
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