abuse hurts at any age Story by Emily Easley He was a Master Sergeant in WW II, earning a Purple Heart while attempting to save his brother- in-arms during the Battle of Okinawa. Now in his golden years, he sits alone, scared, and isolated at the hands of an unexpected enemy, his son. She was an inspiring teacher, full of knowledge and always encouraged her students to excel to their fullest potential. After retiring she began to show signs of dementia, forgetting things and the people she cherished most. At the hands of her hired caregiver, she ϐinds herself learning lessons no one should ever have to learn. Bruised and battered, her daughter just thinks she has fallen again. or many elder adults the above ϐictional stories are a horrible reality. More than one in ten American elder adults may experience abuse, with an estimated 5 million victims total. However astounding the number may seem, the actual number of elders who experience abuse is actually much higher. Many of the abuse cases go unknown, with only one in 23 cases reported. On June 15, 2016, sixteen local long-term and personal care facilities participated in a balloon release to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Residents enjoyed special activities throughout the day from enjoying doughnuts before the balloon release and Night Owl bingo later in the day. Elder abuse can occur anywhere, whether in a home or adult care facility. It knows no bounds, occurring across all socio-economic groups, cultures, and races. It takes many forms including physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuseǡ ϐinancial abuse and exploitation, neglect, and abandonment. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, “You do not need to prove that abuse is occurring; it is up to the professionals to investigate the suspicions.” If you suspect someone is being abused, err on the side of caution. It may very well save someone’s life. Many people attribute elder abuse to adult care facilities, but the fact is a majority of the abuse occurs by a loved one or caregiver within the elder adult’s home. When asked how facilities prevent abuse, Lynn Jones, Calvert City Mayor and administrator at the Calvert City Convalescent Center explained adult care facilities have policies in place and training for staff and residents to prevent abuse. In care facilities, each complaint is taken seriously and goes through an investigation process. Individuals who care for an elder in a home setting may not be aware of the resources or training available to them. Many times the individuals providing care are unequipped for the stresses caring for an aging adult may bring. Stress, frustration, and resentment among other reasons may cause the caregiver to act out toward the one they are caring for. The victims suffer in silence, afraid more abuse may occur if it’s reported. 44 AUGUST 2016
