In the US, the elderly at risk of abuse have physical or mental problems such as dementia or are socially isolated. Possible abusers could be either men or women. In around 60% of cases, a family member is an abuser. Adult children or spouses make up two-thirds of the individuals who abuse elderly people.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), elder abuse means the single/ repeated or appropriate action happening in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust that results in harm or distress to an elderly person.
Unfortunately, this abuse is too common, especially in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. If you have an elderly loved one who lives in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C., you must be aware of the signs of elder abuse and what you can do to help prevent it.
Maryland Elder Abuse Laws
A vulnerable adult who suffers physical harm due to harsh or inhumane treatment or an intentional act by another person is said to have been abused per Section 14-101 of the Family Law Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Maryland’s elder abuse laws protect seniors from physical, emotional, and financial abuse. If you suspect an elderly person is being abused, contact the Maryland Department of Human Resources Adult Protective Services division. Adult Protective Services will investigate the allegations of abuse and provide services to the victim if necessary. The agency can also pursue legal action against the abuser if there is enough evidence.
Elder Abuse In Washington, D.C
Federal law, as well as state and local laws in Washington, D.C., can be broken when elder abuse occurs. Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) are in charge of defending adults in Washington, D.C., from exploitation, abuse, and neglect.
“Elder abuse” is defined by the DHS as the mistreatment of an older person by someone who has a special relationship with the elderly, such as a spouse, sibling, child, friend, or caretaker. People can report suspected cases of exploitation, self-neglect, abuse, and neglect to the APS.
Elder Abuse in Virginia
Va. Code 18.2-369 provides for the elder abuse laws in Virginia. Abuse, according to this code provision, is defined as:
- Intentional and willful behavior that results in physical harm or pain.
- Using physical detention as punishment, for convenience, or as a treatment substitute, unless such behavior or physical restraint, including confinement, is a necessary element of care and promotes the safety of the elderly person.
Things You Could Do to Prevent Elder Abuse
It is estimated that one in six seniors will experience some form of elder abuse. This number is expected to rise as the population ages. There are many things that you can do to prevent elder abuse. While many things can be done in order to avoid elder abuse, this blog section will focus on five specific things you can do.
One of the most important things is to be aware of the signs of elder abuse and report it immediately if you suspect someone you know is being abused. Other things you can do to prevent elder abuse include:
- Educate yourself and others about elder abuse and how to recognize the signs.
- Encouraging open communication within families about potential risks for elder abuse and how to prevent it.
- Supporting legislation and policies that protect the rights of older adults and provide for their safety.
- Working to change social attitudes that condone or tolerate violence against older adults.
- Hire an elder abuse attorney to understand abuse laws, and possible avenues to seek help.
What to Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse
If you suspect an elderly person is being abused, you can do a few things to help. First, try to talk to the person to see if they are okay and if they need any assistance. If the person is in immediate danger, call 911. You can also contact Adult Protective Services or the police.
If the person does not want to speak with you or the authorities, there may still be something you can do. You can reach out to organizations that focus on elder abuse, such as the National Elder Abuse Hotline, and see if they have any advice or resources. By taking action, you could potentially help an elderly person in a challenging situation.
There are many things you can do to prevent elder abuse. The most important thing is to be aware of the signs of abuse and to report any suspicions you have to the authorities. You should also keep in close contact with your elderly loved ones, checking in on them regularly and ensuring they’re safe and comfortable. Finally, familiarize yourself with the resources available to help victims of elder abuse so that you can help if someone you know is in a difficult situation.
