Elder Abuse - What can I do to help, what to look for, how do I report it

A: Most of us think Elder Abuse is just physical abuse but in fact, elder abuse can also include financial exploitation, neglect, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and other forms of mistreatment. Often the victim of elder abuse is female, over the age of 75, who is dependent upon a spouse, relative, or friend to provide care, food, and shelter. The abuser is likely to be a spouse or middle aged son who lives in the same house and is responsible for providing care to the older person. Abuse may occur when a caregiver fails to meet the needs of the older person or when the older person fails to take care of themselves.

A: Unlike child abuse, elder abuse is not always easy to identify. It can often be hidden or disguised so it appears nothing is wrong.

Besides physical signs, there are clues that may indicate elder abuse. A neighbor might notice that the older person next door never goes outside or sees visitors.

A bank teller may find that an older customer or someone claiming to represent the older person is withdrawing large sums from a savings account without apparent reason. An attorney may question why an older person would sign their house over to a relative.

Although these circumstances do not always mean elder abuse, it's important to be aware that elder abuse can occur at anytime to anyone.

A: If you suspect mistreatment of an older person, you should report it to your local Area Agency on Aging. Even if you are not positive whether abuse has actually occurred, but feel you have reason to be concerned about the older person's well being, you should call the elder abuse helpline number in your area. The phone number for Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging is: 814-849-3096 or 800-852-8036.

A: When you call the Area Agency on Aging to report a suspected case of elder abuse, a specially trained staff person will investigate the report. The staff person will telephone or visit the older person. If abuse has occurred, steps will be taken to protect the victim, and stop the abuse from happening again. If abuse has not occurred, but the older person or family appear to need assistance, the staff person may refer the family to other services that are available through the Area Agency on Aging.

A: Your Area Agency on Aging has support services, as well as counseling and referral services available to help you. The following organizations are also available to provide information on caregiving and support services.

American Association of Retired Persons
Pennsylvania Chapter
225 Market Street
Suite 502
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 238-2277

Alzheimer Disease Helpline
c/o PA Council on Aging
231 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(800) 367-5115

C.A.R.I.E.
1315 Walnut Street
Suite 900
c/o Philadelphia Elder Abuse Task Force
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-5728

	Hitting you
	Threatening you
	Inflicting pain
	Misusing your property or money
	Not providing food, shelter, health care or protection.
	(when the someone is a caregiver)

The above are examples of abuse. Often we think that these things just don't happen to "me" or my friends. If you have questions or doubts about yourself or your "friend", please call our office to discuss the situation.

It is very difficult to see the "facts" when you are emotionally involved. Our job is to sort out details and investigate the complaint. These calls are always confidential. You, as the reporter, will not be involved in the investigation or follow up. Please know that EVERY call is important.

Some signs to watch out for are bruises, sudden changes in alertness, unexplained withdrawal from normal activity and unusual depression. People failing to take proper care of themselves is also a warning sign. Be a friend and look out for the well being of your best buddy. People often "suffer in silence". Ask questions. Maybe your friend (or you) only needs to talk to someone.

Call us : 1-800-852-8036 We're here to help.

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