What You Can Do to Help
Elder abuse, neglect and exploitation will only get worse if nothing is done. If you suspect that a friend, neighbor or family member is a victim, contact a federal, state or local government agency for help. Many states have instituted
24-hour toll-free "hotlines" for receiving reports of elder abuse. These calls are confidential. Adult Protective Services, or the County Department of Social Services, are designated as the agency
to receive and investigate allegations of abuse and neglect. Every state Attorney General's office is required by federal
law to have a Medicaid Fraud Unit to investigate and prosecute patient abuse
or neglect in health-care programs that participate in Medicaid, including home health-care services. Local police, sheriff's offices and prosecuting attorneys may investigate and prosecute cases of elderly abuse and neglect. In states where statutes make elder abuse a crime, there may be a requirement to report all suspected cases to a law enforcement agency.
Because few of the 1500 domestic violence shelters nationwide have special programs and services for elder abuse victims, the Administration on Aging is funding several model projects to help shelters develop services for women 50 years and older.
We Can Fight Elder Abuse
Elder abuse can be fought on many fronts. Public education is key, as people need to understand clearly what elder abuse is, why it happens, how to recognize it, and what can be done about it. Control of life issues needs to be highlighted. Elders need to retain as much power and control over their own lives as possible, thus reducing the risk of abuse. Addressing the systematic issue of "ageism" is crucial because it creates a social environment making it easier for elder abuse to occur.
Churches can help. The fifth commandment, in Exodus 20:12, speaks
of "honoring your father and mother." Christians can be the eyes and ears of our communities, offering assistance, love, companionship and care to elderly friends and neighbors, both inside and outside our congregations. We can also help by reporting to the proper agencies when abuse is suspected.
Too many of our elderly are suffering in silence, afraid to admit what is happening to them behind closed doors. It is time to break that code of silence.