Elder Abuse – what is it and what should you do

Reporting Elder Abuse

by Meredith L. Williamson, Choice Senior Services, LLC

The abuse of our elderly population is a growing problem. Abuse can take on many forms.  It can occur anywhere.  Often it goes unreported if it is perpetrated by a relative or close friend of the elderly person.   

What is Elder Abuse? For the purpose of Oregon State law regarding elderly abuse, an elderly person is defined as anyone over the age of 65.  Abuse includes:

• A physical injury to the senior not resulting from an accident;
• Neglect that leads to physical harm; 
• Abandonment;
• Caregiver neglecting duties and obligations owed to an elderly;
• Willful infliction of physical pain or injury;
• Use of derogatory or inappropriate names, phrases or profanity, ridicule, harassment, coercion, threats, cursing, intimidation or inappropriate sexual comments or conduct of such a nature as to threaten significant physical or emotional harm to the elderly person or person with a disability;
• Certain sweepstakes promotions; 
• Wrongfully taking or appropriating money or property; or
• Nonconsensual sexual contact.

Should I report?  You are mandated by law to report abuse if, while you are acting under an official capacity,  you have reasonable to believe that any senior whom you come in contact has suffered abuse, or who is the perpetrator of the abuse.  Persons who may be acting in “official capacity” include health care professionals, employees of DHS, mental health providers, firefighters, etc.

Even if you are not required by law to file a report, if you see or have reason to believe abuse is happening, you should file a report.  Just like with any criminal behavior, it is best to report the suspected abuse and let the people who are trained investigate it.  If you file a report of suspected elder abuse, and you do so in good faith, you will be protected from potential civil liability that could otherwise result from the report.

How do I make a report?  Call your local Department of Human Services (DHS) or law enforcement agency in the county where the abuse occurred.  You will be asked the names and addresses of the elderly person and any persons responsible for the care of the elderly person, the type of abuse you are reporting, names of perpetrators or description if names are not known, and any other helpful information you can think of.  A list of the DHS (Area Agency on Aging) offices can be found in the Choice Senior Resource Guide or online at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/spwpd/offices.shtml.

Adult Protective will arrange for immediate protection of the senior, asses the senior’s ability to participate in the investigation and arrange for services to prevent future abuse.

June 15^th is National Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  Help spread the word about the issue of abuse by sharing this post or visiting www.ncea.aoa.gov to see how you can volunteer in your area.

For a free copy of the Choice Senior Resource Guide, please call Meredith at 503-353-7870 or order copies on line here.