Ordinary people rarely think about elder abuse until it’s too late.
The ex-spouse of Claudette Spinelli-Schwartz certainly didn’t, and though comfortably well off, he was seemingly astonished when it allegedly happened to him. He’s typical of numerous Americans from all economic groups who one day found themselves scrambling to protect themselves.
His allegations against Spinelli-Schwartz look to still be in litigation, so as legal expenses mount and the case evolves, the outcome is still uncertain. That’s what scares so many victims—the uncertainty about what might happen and the cost of protecting oneself.
Both can be nightmarish.
Claudette Spinelli-Schwartz’ ex is not alone in his alleged experience. Millions of older adults around the world have become victims of elder abuse. It comes in many forms, from physical violence and neglect to financial exploitation.
Knowledge is power, the saying goes. So here are ten of the most common—and most feared—types of elder abuse that could one day turn your life upside down:
- Financial Exploitation:Imagine that someone you trust managed to steal your money or other assets without your permission or knowledge. It happens to the elderly every day. Examples range from caretakers (or just about anyone) forging your signature, tricking you into signing away financial assets, or draining money from your bank account.
Imagine finding out that your house had been sold out from under you without your knowing a thing about it until there’s a knock at the door and some stranger (or relative) orders you out of “their” house. This happens with alarming frequency.
- Neglect:You may be thinking you’ll have all the assets you need to provide for your physical needs in your golden years. But then your retirement years arrive, and you discover that the caretakers you worked so hard to afford are failing to give the care and support you need.
Many senior citizens suffer from physical harm, emotional distress and illnesses because their caretakers neglect them. They experience malnutrition, lack of medical treatment and feelings of abandonment. Don’t let that happen to you.
- Physical Abuse:The cases of elderly being subjected to broken bones, bruising, cuts or fractures are too numerous to count. These assaults may come from trusted caretakers, close relatives or even total strangers. Imagine the fear of never knowing where an attack will originate and not being able to defend yourself in your weakened state. This is the terror some elderly patients live with every day.
- Psychological Abuse:Sometimes the abuse comes in the form of mental or emotional anguish that people inflict upon older adults. There may be threats, intimidation or verbal attacks. People insult them, make them fearful and make them feel worthless and unneeded. Attacks can come from anywhere, and unless you’re ready for them, can inflict great harm.
- Sexual Abuse:Nightmares of made of this. It’s a form of abuse that includes any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior towards an older adult. It may be a forced act, manipulation or simple coercion. But it leaves an emotional scar that might never be erased. Sexual abuse of anyone is despicable, but especially when it targets society’s most vulnerable.
- Abandonment:Sometimes the elder abuse comes when caregivers leave their patients without alternative care arrangements. If confined to a bed or wheelchair, the victims can’t access even the most necessary services. It leaves them feeling neglected and increases their risks of malnutrition and depression.
- Medical Abuse:You may think you’ll have a qualified healthcare professional to give you the care you need in your old age, but the truth is that some providers just don’t care. They over-medicate their patients, perform unnecessary tests, treatments and surgeries, and fail to provide even the most critical medical care.
- Identity Theft:The elderly are especially vulnerable to theft of personal information such as Social Security numbers or credit card info. Fraudsters zero in on them like hornets, stealing any asset they can. They open fraudulent accounts, make unauthorized purchases, and find ways to drain online checking and savings accounts. Many elderly are not aware of the scams so pervasive in this digital age, and many pay the price.
- Social Isolation:Sometimes older adults are deliberately shut off from support networks by their family members or caregivers. Access to lifelong friends and supporters are no longer permitted. Phone access is cut off. The victim soon feels totally isolated, depressed, alone and vulnerable. If they protest, they are ignored or ridiculed, and can do nothing about it.
- Emotional Abuse:This can include a wide range of attacks on an older person’s feelings of dignity, self-image, happiness and emotional stability. Victims may not be aware that it’s happening—the attacker ridicules them, manipulates them into questioning their own perceptions, and ultimately makes threats to put them under his/her control.
So is it inevitable that you’ll one day face any one or several of these types of elder abuse? Not at all.
If you’re a senior citizen or have a loved one who is elderly, here are some of the steps you or your loved one can take for self-protection:
- Educate Yourself: Be well informed about the different types of elder abuse so that you can identify it should it begin to manifest around you. Be aware, and when you see early indications that it might be happening, shut it down immediately.
- Control Your Finances: Be wary of assigning control of finances to others. Sometimes you just can’t avoid it, but be sure you can trust the person who will have access to your assets. Begin by letting them control a small portion. Make them verify any requests for private information.
When they have proven themselves, let them control a little more. Regularly check on them, even those you trust implicitly.
- Build a Strong Support Network: Surround yourself with family and friends who care about you. Join and participate in community groups where you’ll have a steady stream of trusted associates. This will help prevent social isolation and fight exploitation. Learn about scams that are everywhere, and benefit from the experiences of others.
- Be On top of Financial Transactions: Don’t let others—even those closest to you—take advantage of you financially. When someone requests money or sensitive data from you, make sure it’s legitimate. Outside of your trusted banker, accountant or lawyers, don’t let others know the details of your financial worth or assets.
- Know Your Rights and Defend Them: Be wary of “legal speak” or “accounting fog” from professional consultants. If you don’t understand something, ask questions until you get the complete answers.
If you feel you’ve been a victim of abuse or exploitation, seek independent legal advice immediately.
- Speak Up: When you suspect that either yourself or someone you love is being abused, don’t hesitate to speak up. Contact the appropriate authorities such as adult protective services or various helplines for assistance.
Keep speaking out until someone does something.
- Be Proactive: If you’re not a potential victim now (but could be in the future—this includes just about everyone), start planning for the future. This may include creating an advance directive, reviewing your estate planning provisions, and appointing a power of attorney.
Keep your plan up to day, and revisit it once or several times a year, especially if you experience any decline in health or other economic circumstances.
Finally, continue being as informed and aware as you can about everything that could affect your personal well-being.
As Claudette Spinelli-Schwartz’ ex-spouse and many others have found out, elder abuse can turn your life into a most unpleasant experience.
But if you plan well and take steps to protect yourself, you can enjoy the dignity, security and happiness that you’ve earned for many fulfilling years to come.
