Prevent Elder Abuse! It’s Widespread, Yet Under-Reported!
Elder Abuse Is Real
I am writing this article today with a lot of emotion. Why? Because I know, firsthand, that elder abuse is real. This happened to a family member. If you have an elder family member, neighbor, or friend, know that they can be silent victims of this horrendous behavior.
It’s real, and it’s under-reported. Studies show that only a minuscule number of cases of elder abuse are ever reported to the law enforcement authorities, though the phenomenon is widespread through the various strata of American society.
Why Is Elder Abuse Under-Reported?
Sometimes, the elder abuse victim is afraid of reaching out, because they’ve been threatened by the abuser.
Sometimes an abuser will even threaten that they will retaliate by hurting or killing the elder abuse victim’s family members.
Even without such threats, an abuse victim may rightfully fear further abuses.
Sometimes elder people don’t realize that the behavior of their caretakers, family members, or whomever constitutes actual elder abuse. They aren’t aware of the phenomenon, let alone the warning signs.
And, think of elders with some sort of cognitive impairment. They are aren’t going to report the crimes.
It can get complicated, as real life often is. What if the elder abuse victim is dependent on the person/people abusing them?
When family members find out a caretaker was taking advantage of their loved one in some way, they may be hesitant to do anything beyond reprimand them, or at worst fire the caretaker. Why? They develop a rapport, and feel badly about reporting the caretaker for the elder abuses.
How Can Family Members Prevent Elder Abuse?
Firstly, make sure no other family members, neighbors, or “friends,” are abusing your elder relative.
If the elder person is living in a manged care facility, the list also extends to the staff of such places.
You need to keep the channels of communications wide open.
The elder patient needs to be able to trust you. They may be undergoing all sorts of neglect or abuse.
It may seem inconceivable to you that such is going on, but reality can be harsh and difficult o accept.
Be open-minded when your loved one is speaking and always be aware of what they’re trying to tell you.
They may have been threatened. They may really need your help. Keep your eyes and ears open.
This really can save someone’s life.
Elder Abuse may not be physical and thus has the potential of leaving no trace.
Elder Abuse may also take the form of sexual abuse, mental and emotional abuse, and even deprivation of food or water.
That’s why you need to listen. An elder may need to talk in code, much like a P.O.W. might. Be attentive.
How Can Geriatric Massage Help Combat Elder Abuse?
There is only one answer regarding elder abuse: Report the crimes.
When elder people receive sessions of Geriatric Massage in their elder care facility, they have an opportunity to talk about what hurts and why to someone outside the institution.
If they say their shoulder hurts and the LMT asks why, and the elder patient explains that the nurse grabbed her by the shoulder because she wouldn’t get up from sitting and finishing a chess game at lights-out, that is a red flag, obviously.
And, LMTs are bound by the law in most states to report this crime, just like they’re bound to report child abuse, in its various forms.
It’s also a chance to have someone see their elder relative’s body, and as horrible as it may be, witness any bruises, welts, burn marks, or other signs of abuse.
Bed sores? The LMT will ask why.
Geriatric Massage is going to expose all this.
These will be noticed and the LMT will surely discuss this with the elder patient.
You Should Be Checking Your Geriatric Loved One For Abuse Signs
Of course, bringing elder abuse to light and stopping this horrendous crime is not the actual purpose of a Geriatric Massage, but rather just an ancillary benefit.
We strongly advise you to check family members bodies for signs of abuse if you’re a close relation, and if you’re not, see if there are any signs of abuse on visible parts of the body, like the arms and neck, when you visit with them.
