Elder Abuse Reporting

Signs and Symptoms of Elder Abuse

Physical Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Neglect or Abondonment by Caregivers
Financial Exploitation
Healthcare Fraud and Abuse

Preventing Abuse and Taking Action

Preventing Elder Abuse and Neglect
What You Can Do as a Caregiver to Prevent Elder Abuse
What You Can Do as a Concerned Friend or Family Member
How You Can Protect Yourself, as an Elder, Against Elder Abuse
Reporting Abuse
Mandatory Reporters
Elder Abuse Reporting Resources

Elder abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting a large number of individuals throughout Oregon as well as the rest of the United States. Though the issue is often hidden or undetected, it is one that we all need to be aware of. To help protect those among us that may not be able to protect themselves, it is important that you report any suspected cases of elder abuse.

The abuse of the elderly population is a complex issue that can be displayed in a number of different forms such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation. All of these forms of abuse are crimes punishable by law. In Oregon, many individuals are required to report suspected cases of abuse and are considered "mandatory reporters." These include individuals such as law enforcement officials, medical providers, clergy members, and social workers. Even those not required by law to report abuse should report any suspicion of elder abuse. Oregon offers legal protections for anyone who reports abuse in good faith.

Signs and Symptoms of Specific Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse	Non-accidental use of force against an elderly person that results in physical pain, injury, or impairment including: Hitting or shoving Inappropriate use of drugs, restraints, or confinement Unexplained signs of injury such as bruises, welts, or scars, especially if they appear symmetrically on two side of the body Broken bones, sprains, or dislocations Report of drug overdose or apparent failure to take medication regularly (a prescription has more remaining than it should) Broken eyeglasses or frames Signs of being restrained, such as rope marks on wrists Caregiver's refusal to allow you to see the elder alone
Emotional Abuse	Verbal forms of emotional elder abuse include: Intimidation through yelling or threats Humiliation and ridicule Habitual blaming or scapegoating Nonverbal psychological elder abuse can take the form of: Ignoring the elderly person Isolating an elder from friends or activities In addition to the general signs above, indications of emotional elder abuse include: Threatening, belittling, or controlling caregiver behavior Behavior from the elder that mimics dementia, such as rocking, sucking, or mumbling to oneself
Sexual Abuse	Sexual elder abuse is sexual contact with an elderly person without the elder's consent. Sexual abuse may be committed by caregivers or fellow residents who are not properly supervised. Physical signs of sexual abuse may include: Bruises around breasts or genitals Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
Neglect by Caregivers or Self-Neglect	Elder neglect, failure to fulfill a caretaking obligation, constitutes more than half of all reported cases of elder abuse. It can be active (intentional) or passive (unintentional, based on factors such as ignorance or denial that an elderly person needs as much care as he or she does). Signs of neglect include: Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration Untreated physical problems, such as bed sores Unsanitary living conditions: dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes Being left dirty or unbathed Unsuitable clothing or covering for the weather Unsafe living conditions (no heat or running water; faulty electrical wiring, other fire hazards) Desertion of the elder at a public place
Financial Exploitation	This involves unauthorized use of an elderly person's funds or property, either by a caregiver or an outside scam artist. An unscrupulous caregiver might: Misuse an elder's personal checks, credit cards, or accounts Steal cash, income checks, or household goods Forge the elder's signature Engage in identity theft Typical rackets that target elders include: Announcements of a "prize" that the elderly person has won but must pay money to claim Phony charities Investment fraud Things to look out for include: Significant withdrawals from the elder's accounts Sudden changes in the elder's financial condition Items or cash missing from the senior's household Suspicious changes in wills, power of attorney, titles, and policies Addition of names to the senior's signature card Unpaid bills or lack of medical care, although the elder has enough money to pay for them Financial activity the senior couldn't have done, such as an ATM withdrawal when the account holder is bedridden Unnecessary services, goods, or subscriptions
Healthcare Fraud and Abuse	Carried out by unethical doctors, nurses, hospital personnel, and other professional care providers, examples of healthcare fraud and abuse regarding elders include: Not providing healthcare, but charging for it Overcharging or double-billing for medical care or services Getting kickbacks for referrals to other providers or for prescribing certain drugs Overmedicating or undermedicating Recommending fraudulent remedies for illnesses or other medical conditions Medicaid fraud Evidence of inadequate care when bills are paid in full Problems with the care facility: - Poorly trained, poorly paid, or insufficient staff - Crowding - Inadequate responses to questions about care

Preventing Elder Abuse and Neglect

We can help reduce the incidence of elder abuse. Preventing elder abuse means doing three things:

Listening to seniors and their caregivers
Intervening when you suspect elder abuse
Educating others about how to recognize and report elder abuse

What You Can Do As a Caregiver to Prevent Elder Abuse

If you're overwhelmed by the demands of caring for an elder, do the following:

Request help, from friends, relatives, or local respite care agencies, so you can take a break, if only for a couple of hours.
Find an adult day care program.
Stay healthy and get medical care for yourself when necessary.
Adopt stress reduction practices.
Seek counseling for depression, which can lead to elder abuse.
Find a support group for caregivers of the elderly.
If you're having problems with drug or alcohol abuse, get help.

And remember, elder abuse helplines offer help for caregivers as well. Call a helpline if you think there's a possibility you might cross the line into elder abuse.

What You Can Do As a Concerned Friend or Family Member

Watch for warning signs that might indicate elder abuse. If you suspect abuse, report it.
Take a look at the elder's medications. Does the amount in the vial consistent with the date of the prescription?
Watch for possible financial abuse. Ask the elder if you may scan bank accounts and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
Call and visit as often as you can. Help the elder consider you a trusted confidante.
Offer to stay with the elder so the caregiver can have a break -- on a regular basis, if you can.

How You Can Protect Yourself, As an Elder, Against Elder Abuse

Make sure your financial and legal affairs are in order. If they aren't, enlist professional help to get them in order, with the assistance of a trusted friend or relative if necessary.
Keep in touch with family and friends and avoid becoming isolated, which increases your vulnerability to elder abuse.
If you are unhappy with the care you're receiving, whether it's in your own home or in a care facility, don't be afraid to speak up and tell.

Reporting Abuse

If you are an elder who is being abused, neglected, or exploited, let someone you trust know about it. These can include your doctor, a friend, or a family member. They can help you. Contact your local Department of Human Services or Area Agency on Aging office if you feel that you may be experiencing abuse or neglect, or if you suspect it may be taking place with someone else. The Lane County office can be reached at 541-682-4038. You may also contact the Oregon Department of Health at 1-800-232-3020.

Mandatory Reporters Include:

(The Oregon Department of Human Services " Elder Abuse and Neglect...Are You a Mandatory Reporter? ")

Physician, including naturopathic, osteopathic, chiropractor, podiatric, surgeon, intern, and resident;
Licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, nurse's aide, home health aide, or employee of an in-home health service;
Employee of the Department of Human Services, county health department, or community mental health and developmental disabilities program;
Peace officer;
Member of the clergy;
Licensed clinical social worker;
Physical, speech or occupational therapist;
Information, referral or outreach worker;
Licensed professional counselor;
Any public official who comes in contact with elderly persons in the performance of the official's official duties;
Firefighter or emergency medical technician.

Elder Abuse Reporting Resources

The Governor of the State of Oregon

"Elder abuse is a multidimensional problem that impacts a large number of Oregonians each year - much of it undetected. Experts anticipate that between 1 in 5 to 1 in 14 cases of abuse or neglect go unreported each year."

Governor's Elder Abuse Task Force- Full Report on Elder Abuse

State of Oregon Department of Human Services

"In Oregon, several thousand older citizens and people with disabilities experience abuse or neglect each year. The number may be much higher - many cases are never reported to the proper authorities."

Oregon.gov- Abuse & Neglect

If you suspect that elder abuse or neglect may be taking place, contact your local Department of Human Services or Area Agency on Aging office. The Lane County office can be reached at 541-682-4038. You may also contact the Oregon Department of Human Services at 1-800-232-3020.