Tag Archives: Elder Abuse

Ask EverCare's CMO

Elder Abuse

DID YOU KNOW that many older people are victims of abuse?

THE PROFILE… WHO IS BEING ABUSED?

Although it can happen to any older person, more often the usual “target” victim appears frail, has no family or friends nearby, has memory problems, and depends on others for help with activities of everyday life, such as bathing, dressing, and taking medications.

The abuse, sometimes called elder mistreatment, can happen in the older person’s home, a family member’s house, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home.

TYPES OF ABUSE:

  • Physical abuse: Someone causes bodily harm by hitting, pushing, or slapping
  • Emotional/psychological abuse: Someone says, yells, or screams hurtful words, repeatedly ignores the older person, and/or prevents that person from seeing close friends and relatives
  • Neglect: Caretaker repeatedly does not respond to the person’s needs
  • Abandonment: Caregiver repeatedly leaves a person alone without planning for his/her care
  • Sexual abuse: Inappropriate and/or forceful sexual advances
  • Financial abuse: Money (may occur using credit cards or bank accounts and is increasingly accomplished via the Internet) and/or belongings are taken without permission or through manipulation
  • Healthcare fraud: May be committed by doctors, hospital staff, or other healthcare workers

SIGNS OF ABUSE:

(often combinations of the following are evident)

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Appears fearful, depressed and/or withdrawn
  • Unexplained bruises, scars
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Appears frightened and/or agitated
  • Looks disheveled/unkempt
  • Stops taking part in activities he/she once enjoyed

ELDER ABUSE WON’T STOP ON ITS OWN. MANY OLDER PEOPLE ARE TOO ASHAMED AND AFRAID TO REPORT IT.

IF YOU SUSPECT ELDER ABUSE, GET HELP!

If you think someone is in urgent danger, call 911 or your local police.

If you’re not sure how to proceed, call:

ELDERCARE LOCATOR
1-800-677-1116
FAMILY CAREGIVER ALLIANCE
1-800-445-8106

Community Events, Press Releases, Uncategorized

kNOw more; AGE LOUDLY Against Elder Abuse

EverCare At Home, EverCare’s Certified Home Health Agency in the Hudson Valley, is hosting its 10th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day conference. The conference, “kNOw more; AGE LOUDLY Against Elder Abuse” will be held on Friday, June 15 at Mount Saint Mary College (MSMC).

Conference registration will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the program from 9:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This free conference is being organized in collaboration with the Center on Aging and Disability Policy at Mount Saint Mary College, St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, Orange County Office for the Aging, and Orange County Government. The entire Hudson Valley region is welcome to attend the conference, which is taking place in the Aquinas Hall Theatre at MSMC.

In past years, this conference has generated attendance of over 160 community members; this year, it is anticipated that over 500 community members, elected officials, and professionals will attend.

Conference presenters at the local, state, and national level include:

  • Keynote Speaker: Bob Blancato, National Coordinator of the Elder Justice Coalition, Washington DC
  • Keynote Speaker: Philip C. Marshall, Founder of Beyond Brooke and grandson of the late Brooke Astor, NYC philanthropist, socialite, and victim
  • Guest Speaker: Alan J. Lawitz, Director, NYS Bureau of Adult Services
  • New York State Senator Sue Serino, Chair of the Senate Committee on Aging
  • Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus
  • Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro
  • Gerontologist Lawrence Force, PhD
  • Panel Speakers: David M. Hoovler, Orange County District Attorney; Carl DuBois, Orange County Sheriff; Tim Murphy, Orange County Adult Protective Services Case Supervisor; Patricia Sheldon, Dutchess County Adult Protective Services Director; Mitchell Rubin, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, EverCare; and Lisa Morris, Assistant Vice President, PR & Corporate Communications Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union.

“Too often, elder abuse and other crimes against older persons go unreported; the statistics are staggering – there is no worthier cause for our organization to organize and support.  Advances made on vulnerable older people in the form of physical, or psychological harm, neglect, or financial exploitation, are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated,” said EverCare President and CEO Sylvia McTigue. “Knowing how to recognize elder abuse and how to report it if you are a victim, or suspect someone is being abused, is especially important as our elderly population increases.”

“This event is the cornerstone of our organization’s mission to educate our community, to kNOw more  and AGE LOUDLY Against Elder Abuse,” McTigue added.

A recent study of elder abuse prevalence in New York State found that 76 out of every 1,000 older New Yorkers were victims of elder abuse in a one-year period. The reported incidence rate is nearly 24 times greater than the number of referred cases. This suggests that many elders are not seeking, or getting, the assistance they need.

Registration for this event is required. Space is limited, please email weaad2018@evercare.org or call Orange County Office for the Aging at 845.615.3700.

Net proceeds will be used for further education of Elder Abuse through the EverCare Center for Senior Education & Advocacy in collaboration with The Center on Aging and Disability Policy at Mount Saint Mary College.

Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please make checks payable to EverCare At Home.