Children Abusing Elderly Parents: a Growing Concern

Children Abusing Elderly Parents: a Growing Concern in New Jersey

Many older Americans hope to spend their golden years enjoying some of the finer things in life, like seeing more of their family. But, for some, growing older means exploitation at the hands of the very individuals charged with their care. In New Jersey, the number of reported cases of elder abuse nearly doubled from 1996 to 1999, far outpacing the increase in the elderly population during the same time period. Now, since the economic downtown, social service agencies and others in the field of elder care are again reporting a spike in elder abuse, particularly at the hands of adult children who have moved back in with their aging parents. While some form of elder abuse prevention and reporting laws are on the books in all 50 states, abuse often goes unreported, in part due to medical conditions that make reporting difficult and lack of information regarding possible solutions. However, with the proper assistance, elder abuse does not have to remain an unmentioned and unsolvable dilemma.

Elder Abuse Committed By Family Members

As elders grow more physically frail, they become less able to stand up to exploitation by family members. In addition, mental or physical ailments often make older people easier targets, and may make them more frustrating companions for the people who live with them (and thus easier to justify as victims). Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical or sexual abuse, psychological abuse (such as name-calling or making threats), exploitation (misuse or theft of an elder's money or property) and simple neglect. In a national study conducted in 1996, known perpetrators of elder abuse and neglect were family members in 90 percent of cases, and two-thirds were adult children or spouses.
Some experts see the quickly rising percentages of elder exploitation in New Jersey as a function of the economy. Since the start of the recession, the number of elder abuse cases has continued to climb; the state Department of Health and Senior Services reported 2,249 cases of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation in New Jersey in 2007 and 2,492 such cases in 2008, with the state on track to have even higher numbers when it completes its tallies for 2009. U.S. Census data show that the number of children between the ages of 18 and 34 who are living with their parents has steadily increased over the past five years. A surprising amount of elder abuse takes place in the home, and when cash-strapped children return home in an effort to solve their own financial woes, the temptation to take advantage of an aging parent may present itself. In some cases, adult children have gone so far as to sell their parents' home, spend money that should have been used to pay for nursing care and even eat their parents' food rations.

What to Do If You or Someone You Know Has Been Abused

First and foremost, if you are being abused or have been abused, tell someone. Your county's Adult Protective Services program and Senior Services is a great resource, but telling a doctor, friend or trusted family member could also get you on the path to the help you need. Being a victim of abuse or exploitation may be embarrassing, and it is often a difficult problem to confront. But remember, it is not your fault. Telling someone who can help is the first step in ensuring you receive the care and dignity you deserve.
If you are an elderly individual who has been taken advantage of, it is important to contact an attorney. An attorney experienced in elder abuse matters can be instrumental in helping you recover stolen funds or may assist you in obtaining compensation for injuries suffered at the hands of abusive family members. A lawyer can also help you establish legal mechanisms to secure your financial assets from future breaches by family members and help ensure that you receive proper care, protection from those who have done you harm and compensation for the abuses you have suffered.
Being abused or exploited, especially by those closest to you, is a difficult challenge to overcome. But, it is a challenge you do not have to face alone. Consult with an attorney who will advocate on your behalf, help you get back on your feet and give you a voice.

Elder Abuse: The Crime of the Twenty-First Century? - Research on Aging

What is Elder Abuse?

Each year hundreds of thousands of older persons are abused, neglected, and exploited. Many victims are people who are older, frail, and vulnerable and cannot help themselves and depend on others to meet their most basic needs. Abusers of older adults are both women and men, and may be family members, friends, or “trusted others.”
In general, elder abuse is a term referring to 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. Legislatures in all 50 states have passed some form of elder abuse prevention laws. Laws and definitions of terms vary considerably from one state to another, but broadly defined, abuse may be:

• Physical Abuse—inflicting physical pain or injury on a senior, e.g. slapping, bruising, or restraining by physical or chemical means.
• Sexual Abuse—non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.
• Neglect—the failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care, or protection for a vulnerable elder.
• Exploitation—the illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a senior for someone else's benefit.
• Emotional Abuse—inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts, e.g. humiliating, intimidating, or threatening.
• Abandonment—desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person.
• Self-neglect—characterized as the failure of a person to perform essential, self-care tasks and that such failure threatens his/her own health or safety.

 

What are the warning signs of elder abuse?

While one sign does not necessarily indicate abuse, some tell-tale signs that there could be a problem are:

• Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
• Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse.
• Bruises around the breasts or genital area can occur from sexual abuse.
• Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of exploitation.
• Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.
• Behavior such as belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses are indicators of verbal or emotional abuse.
• Strained or tense relationships, frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly person are also signs.

Most importantly, be alert. The suffering is often in silence. If you notice changes in a senior’s personality or behavior, you should start to question what is going on.
Remember, it is not your role to verify that abuse is occurring, only to alert others of your suspicions.
Please visit the webpage What If I Suspect Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation? to learn what you should do if you are concerned that someone you know is being abused.