| As
2011 has arrived, it is estimated that nationwide 10,000 more
Baby Boomers will turn 65 every day. With that comes
a greater need to promote awareness and understanding of elder
abuse.
Oregon
Department of Human Services (DHS) officials are concerned
that elder abuse may be a growing problem in Oregon as it is
nationally. National studies estimate that as many as five
million seniors have experienced abuse, but only about 20
percent of abuse cases are reported.
With the New
Year here and greater numbers of Boomers turning 65, DHS would
like to remind people of the signs of elder abuse.
"No abuse
should be tolerated, and elder abuse is an underreported crime
because people often do not know how to recognize the
signs," says James D. Toews, DHS assistant director for
Seniors and People with Disabilities Division. "They also
don't know how to report it when they do see it. We have to
raise awareness of elder abuse and ways to report it before we
can hope to prevent it."
In Oregon,
about 13 percent of the population is 65 years or older, and
nearly 76,000 Oregonians are age 85 or older. DHS received
20,000 calls reporting alleged abuse of the elderly or
physically disabled.
Oregon law
defines elder abuse as:
- Physical
injury not caused by accident;
- Neglect that
leads to harm;
- Abandonment;
- Intentional
infliction of physical pain or injury;
- Sexual
contact that is unwanted or with someone who is unable to
consent to it; and
- Taking or
threatening to take money or property.
Anyone
witnessing or suspecting abuse of seniors or people with
physical disabilities is asked to call the toll-free abuse
hotline at 1-800-232-3020. DHS and Area Agencies on Aging
provide protective services and investigate reports of
suspected abuse. They determine if abuse has occurred and work
with law enforcement when a potential crime may have occurred.
"Our staff
does an excellent job of identifying these situations and
providing assistance, but they need help from the
public," says Toews. "As Oregon's population ages,
this type of abuse is bound to increase unless we all become
more aware of the signs of abuse and more willing to report or
prevent it."
Available on
the DHS website is a new brochure from the Seniors and People
with Disabilities Division, Elder
abuse and how to report it. The signs of elder abuse
include physical injuries, emotional or behavioral changes, a
decline in self-care, and changes in financial status. A
complete list of the signs of abuse is also available on
the DHS website. |
