Protecting an exploited elder

We have a collective responsibility to the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals, including the elderly. This may be an “obvious” statement, but elder abuse remains a huge issue. Elder abuse can have severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences for its victims and their family. If you suspect that an elderly person is being abused, take action!

Know the signs and indicators of elder abuse. Physical abuse may be discovered by noticing unexplained bruises, burns, or fractures. Emotional abuse is shown through changes in behavior, unexplained anxiety, or withdrawal from their normal day-to-day life. Financial abuse may come to light when the person's finances are mismanaged, or significant withdrawals occur. Neglect is most often discovered from inadequate hygiene, malnutrition, or untreated medical conditions; it can be self-neglect or provider neglect. There are many signs it would be impossible to share them all, but it comes down to trusting your instinct.

If you suspect abuse, document what made you suspicious and be as detailed as you can. Don’t write down assumptions or guesses or opinions. Document the hard facts: dates, times, locations, specific incidents that you have witnessed, third-party concerned shared to you from someone else. Include any relevant information about the suspected abuser(s) if known. Recording your concerns will serve as valuable evidence when reporting the situation to the appropriate authorities.

When it’s time to act, this is not something you can take into your own hands and expect a positive outcome for anybody involved. You will need to involve the proper authorities. Of course, if there is an altercation or action happening in front of you that is endangering the senior, call 9-1-1 immediately. Otherwise, contact the State of Alaska’s Adult Protect Services office. Locally, that number is 907-269-3666. You can also find a link to a report form where you can send a written document to them. It is important to know that they are a resource for seniors, but they cannot just force a situation to resolve.

They will investigate a situation and offer appropriate resources, but it will be up to the person to accept them and succeed. Provide them with all the information you gathered. Professionals trained to handle such cases will investigate every allegation of elder abuse. Remember, it is better to report a situation and let the experts determine the validity of the claims than to remain silent.

It is acceptable to make your report anonymously, but please do not hesitate to provide your name. If the investigator can’t verify what you say, and has nobody to talk to for more information, the case may be closed prematurely. Stand by your word and help the elder by being their voice to the investigators when needed.

Reach out to the elderly person – offer your support. The most important thing humans need is to know that someone cares. Show compassion and respect for their feelings and situation. Avoid any judgment of anybody involved and reassure them that you are there to help. You can tell them about the actions you have taken or plan to take to address the abuse. Let them know that they are not alone. Try to make them realize that you care and will not give up trying to help them.

If appropriate, involve other individuals who may have a close relationship with the elderly person, such as family members, friends, or caregivers. They may not realize that someone else in the home is abusing or exploiting the senior. Share your concerns with them and encourage them to join in efforts to protect the elder. Working as a team will enhance the effectiveness of compassion.

It may be beneficial to consult an attorney experienced in elder or family law. They can provide guidance on legal options, such as obtaining restraining orders, guardianship, or pursuing civil action against the alleged abuser. Legal professionals can help ensure that the elderly person's rights are protected throughout the process. The lawyers can also keep you within the limits of the law, so you don’t unintentionally make things more difficult for later.

Take actions against people who fail to perform their duties. There are a lot of people required by law to report abuse, referred to as “Mandatory Reporters.” Most of these are licensed healthcare providers and first responders, guardians and conservators, social workers, and clergy. Administrators and employees of nursing homes or healthcare facilities are, too, as are educators and administrative staff at public or private schools. If they are aware and failing to act, notify the Adult Protective Services of this fact as well with evidence to support the claim.

When you suspect an elderly person is being abused, act. Learn the signs of abuse, document concerns, report what is happening to the correct authorities, and provide support to the elderly person. We owe our elders a community where they are respected, valued, and free from abuse.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.