Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

Alfred Casale To Your Health

It seems, dear readers, that last week’s article really struck a nerve. We talked about the signs of child abuse in all its hideous forms, and I implored you to take action if you suspected a child was in need. I’ve heard from many of you and I’m gratified to find that so many have heightened their attentiveness to this issue. I ran into Senator Lisa Baker and thanked her for her leadership in Harrisburg by keeping the prevention of child abuse in front of the legislature. She and her colleagues are working diligently to strengthen the laws of the Commonwealth regarding child abuse and neglect and providing the tools we need for prevention, treatment and punishment.

Let’s remember that at the other extreme of our lives similar vulnerabilities frequently occur and set our elders up as potential victims of abuse, neglect and even exploitation.

Older adults sometimes come to depend on others for even their most basic needs. Those fortunate enough to have compassionate, competent family or friends to help know what true selfless love is like. Too often elders have no one to help and we, as a community and indeed society in general, have an obligation to aid. Thankfully many governmental and private agencies are in place to help. Usually all it takes is connecting the vulnerable adult to one agency and they can activate a variety of useful resources.

A different, and particularly awful, situation involves the willful abuse, neglect and exploitation of elders by family or caregivers who have accepted responsibility for their care. Just like with kids, the abuse can be physical, with actual hitting, restraining, over medicating and other ways of inflicting pain or injury. Other abuse is sexual and all too often inflicted by known, trusted people in the elder’s life. Humiliating, threatening or intimidating statements that cause anguish and distress are signs of emotional abuse. Neglect of basic needs like food, shelter, medical care or companionship is abuse too.

Exploitation of an elder by misuse or misdirection of financial or physical assets occurs all too often and is indeed abuse.

The signals of elder abuse are similar to child abuse. Unexplained or suspicious injuries, bruises or burns, withdrawal from normal activities or unusual depression or anxieties can mark physical or emotional harm. Bedsores, poor hygiene, disheveled appearance and weight loss can indicate neglect. Unexplained or sudden financial instability or difficulties may follow exploitation by a caregiver.

Certainly as we age our behavior can change for many reasons including medical, and I’m not asking that you verify, investigate, challenge, question or otherwise put yourself in an awkward or dangerous position when you suspect a problem. Luckily

there are people and agencies to do that. All we need do is be alert and raise the concern…instead of turning away.

To report suspected elder abuse, neglect or exploitation in Luzerne county contact the Bureau of Aging Emergency response team at 1-800-490-8505. In this period when trying to get through to government agencies can be a trial of patience (anyone try to get the IRS earlier this month?) this agency is a happy exception. On Sunday afternoon my test call was answered BEFORE one full ring. Serious injuries, sexual abuse or suspicious deaths should also be reported to the police, and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. If nursing homes are involved the PA Department of Health nursing home complaint line at 1-800-254-5164 is your best bet. So now, no excuses left. Please do what’s right.