Caring people are one of the last stops for elder abuse and mistreatment. Paying attention can be all it takes to help a senior live a healthy and safe life.
The state-wide government agency Adult Protective Services (APS), part of the Department of Social and Health Services, is an organization focused on preventing abusive treatment towards vulnerable adults.
In the APS system, vulnerable adults are those over 60 years old, who have a court-appointed guardian, suffer from a developmental disability, emotional disorder, who live in a nursing home or similar residence, or get services from home care services or personal aids. A vulnerable adult is unable to provide their own basic life necessities by themselves.
The Washington Office of the Attorney General defines vulnerable adult abuse as “Any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.”
Elder abuse can include physical abuse such as pushing or hitting, intimidation or even shouting. A vulnerable senior can also be taken advantage of financially. And neglect is a serious issue for seniors needing care — a lack of attention to emotional, medical or other needs can put a senior in peril.
A person is not legally obligated to report abuse unless they are a police officer, social care worker or similar employee of the law. However, APS investigations can lead to dramatic improvements in quality of life.
Ignorance or purposeful neglect with self-abuse is another issue APS monitors. Self-abuse can include hoarding, failing to take medication, poor hygiene, confusion, and a general lack of ability to take care of one’s self.
The Attorney General’s Office advises a few things to keep an eye on when looking for abuse. Unexplained injuries and excessive fears or agitations can be a powerful warning sign that something is wrong, as well as any sudden inability to pay bills or take care of one’s finances.
Changes in appetite can be a sign of nutritional abuse or withholding of food, and a lack of personal knowledge of one’s finances can be a sign that a senior is not in control of their own financial situation.
For families and friends of vulnerable adults, the Attorney General’s Office stresses respecting and honoring your elders. It is important to report any dangerous or potential dangers right away. Families should regularly track a senior’s health and pay attention to their general medical schedule. Anyone in care of a senior should speak up to abuse and realize that it can happen anywhere, at any time. Online resources are available to identify problems early on.
For seniors themselves, it is important to live in a safe environment. Avoid living with anyone with a history of violent behavior or abuse. Seniors can protect themselves with speaking up against abuse, by telling a doctor or friend if something inappropriate is going on.
Vulnerable seniors should rely on a trusted advisor to read documents before he or she signs them, and to make sure they both fully understand the situation. Finally, whenever possible, a senior should maintain control of their own life, their property and their finances instead of a third party or caretaker.
Legal consultation and advice can be pursued at http://nwjustice.org/get-legal-help with CLEAR, Washington’s centralized intake and referral service for free legal assistance. Additional resources and information on Adult Protective Services and their services can be found at http://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/resource/protecting-elders-and-vulnerable-adults-from?ref=izzYh.
Seattle-area based native Reed Strong is a college senior at Western Washington University majoring in journalism, working with Northwest Prime Time to talk with local seniors and baby boomers to report on local issues to get those issues back to the community at large.
