Elder Abuse Workshop Planned For June 13

HARWICH – The council on aging will recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with a workshop and luncheon at the community center June 13. The event is being put on in conjunction with Elder Services of Cape Cod and The Islands and will focus on teaching people to recognize risk factors and signs of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

Elder Services will be working with several councils on aging on the Cape on June 13 to bring awareness to elder abuse through the “Lunch and Learn” workshops, which will be held in Harwich, Dennis, Sandwich and Provincetown from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are recommended through local COAs.

Elder abuse is widespread in the community and in institutions and takes many forms, according to an Elder Services press release. Every year an estimated one in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, and that is only part of the picture. Experts believe that elder abuse is significantly under-reported, in part because so many of our communities lack the social support that would make it easier for those who experience abuse to report it.

“It is fairly rare for concerns of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse to be reported to the COA, but it has happened during my tenure,” said COA Director Julie Witas. “In the most recent case, Adult Protective Services (APS) was already involved, so we provided other support services to the concerned family members and the victim during the investigation.

“More often, we hear concerns from family and friends about suspected caregiver neglect, which is also a type of abuse,” she said. “This type of abuse occurs when a caregiver fails to support the physical, emotional, and social needs of the elder who is dependent upon them. Of course, as mandated reporters, we follow up on every allegation and ensure that it is reported appropriately.”

Research shows that as few as one in four cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities. Each month, Elder Services receives over 200 reports of suspected elder abuse occurring in its service area of Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties.

“Although no one can say with certainty, I believe there are more cases of serious abuse out there that are not being identified or reported,” said Witas.

“Part of the pattern of abuse is manipulating the victim to stay silent,” she said. “In addition, some caregivers do try their best but are simply not capable of providing sufficient care for their elderly spouse or relative, for a myriad of reasons. These cases aren’t exactly abuse, but rather are caused by a lack of resources. Usually, these households have been isolated and are unaware of the support available to them. We know more of these cases exist in the community because we find new ones every week.”

Elder abuse is an issue with many consequences for society. Its effects on communities range from public health to economic issues, according to the Elder Services announcement for the workshops.

“The good news is that we can prevent and address the issue of elder abuse,” said Ed Murphy, protective services director for Elder Services. “When we come together to enact policies, services, and programs that keep us integrated in our communities as we age, we are taking important steps toward reducing and preventing elder abuse. Many of the programs Elder Services operates in the community have been proven to reduce incidences of elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.”

“When someone comes to us with concerns, our town nurse and/or social services coordinator will visit the older adult at home to perform an assessment. Afterwards, a report will be filed with Adult Protective Services if abuse or neglect is suspected,” said Witas.

In this region, APS is housed within Elder Services. Its staff will review reports and decide whether an investigation is warranted and if so open a case. The goal of APS is to protect older adults and keep them safe while cau

sing the least disruption to their lifestyle and the least restrictive care alternative. This means that they do everything possible to keep people in their homes, said Witas.

Learn more about prevention at www.escci.org/prevention/.