Elder abuse and neglect a growing concern
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The growth in the senior adult population in the U.S. has seen a rise in instances of abuse and cases among the elderly.
According to the latest census data, the fastest-growing population in the U.S. is the senior adult population. One in six people is aged 65 or older.
John Christensen, a special investigator for the Missouri Division of Health and Senior Services, said instances of emotional, physical and financial abuse are a daily occurrence, and loved ones should pay attention to warning signs.
“We are concerned with both abuse and neglect,” Christensen said. “This includes instances of theft, whether it occurs online or in their places of residence.”
Christensen added, family members and other loved ones should pay attention to instances where items like jewelry or guns belonging to senior adults go missing, as well as instances where large sums of money suddenly disappear from homes or accounts.
“If all the sudden you see money or other items go out in a way that’s unaccounted for, it may be time to ask some questions,” Christensen said. “While we want to do it in a respectful way, taking initiative and demonstrating concern may be what an elderly person in your life needs to get help if they’re being taken advantage of.”
Melissa Steele with the senior adult advocacy group Young at Heart said consistent reminders to senior adults about guarding personal information can help keep online and phone scammers at bay.
“Keep information like social security numbers, medicare numbers and checking account numbers guarded,” Steele said. “No reputable organization is going to ask for those by phone or via email.”
Steele also said organizations like Young at Heart are available to assist through direct contact and workshops for elderly people and caregivers throughout the year.
Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett said crimes against the elderly can happen when once-trusted caregivers or family members decide to take financial advantage, or worse, begin to become abusive or neglectful.
“Some caregivers have decided to take money, valuable items or medications for consumption or to sell,” Puett said. “Physical abuse can be as subtle as an unexplained bruise or as obvious as a drastic withdrawal and change of disposition.”
While these changes in behavior can be a normal part of growing older, Puett and other experts said asking questions and taking the time to look closely at the reasons behind these changes can help loved ones spot abuse or neglect.
“We need to listen to our elderly loved ones,” Puett said.
Christensen said caregivers should remember that crimes toward senior adults often fall under special legal categories that can amplify the penalties in court for abuse, neglect and theft. Therefore, taking claims or visible signs seriously means that investigators, prosecutors and judges won’t simply turn a blind eye.
“We get calls every single day regarding folks 60 and older who can’t always advocate for themselves,” Christensen said. “We investigate, and if a crime was indeed committed, we immediately contact prosecutors.”
Those who have questions or suspect abuse, neglect or theft regarding a senior adult can contact the state elder abuse hotline at (800) 922-2275, or reach out to local law enforcement.
