Abuse of the elderly must be reported more

It should be a given that if someone sees an elderly person suffering from abuse a call to authorities should be made. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

A change in state law passed in September now means many more people will watch out for elder abuse, and hopefully, report it to authorities.

The elderly are often seen as easy targets for criminals and unscrupulous scammers.

The National Center on Elder Abuse says the 2010 census showed the largest number and proportion of people are 65 years old and older in the U.S., about 13 percent of the population.

By 2050, that number is expected to more than double to 83.7 million people.

That means more senior citizens likely could experience abuse which comes in many forms.

The Center on Elder Abuse said a national study published in 2010 says financial abuse is the most commonly reported followed by potential neglect, emotional mistreatment, physical mistreatment and sexual mistreatment.

Northeast Ohio police departments and courts see these cases every day.

But yet, some elder abuse still goes unreported and that must change.

The new law should help to deter elder abuse because the list of mandatory reporters was expanded Sept. 29.

Those who must report elder abuse are attorneys, doctors or podiatrists, chiropractors, dentists, registered nurses or licensed practical nurses, psychologists, social workers, counselors, family therapists, pharmacists, dialysis technicians, and employees of home health agencies, outpatient health facilities, hospitals, nursing homes or residential care facilities and residential licensed facilities.

The list also includes employees of health departments or general health districts, community mental health agencies, county humane society agents, firefighters, ambulance drivers, emergency medical technicians or paramedics, local building department officials, peace officers, coroners, some members of the clergy, certified public accountants, real estate brokers or salespersons, a notary public, employees of banks, savings banks, savings and loans, or credit unions, investment advisers, accredited financial planners and any other individuals who are senior service providers.

One of the worthy components of the new law is that failing to report alleged elder abuse could result in criminal charges and fines of up to $500.

Penalties alone should force people to react and report, especially since state law makes no exceptions for professional relationships such as between a physician and a patient and an attorney and a client.

If someone sees an elderly person with fractures, or malnutrition and dehydration, or subjected to physical or verbal abuse, he or she must call the authorities to at least get an investigation started.

The Ohio Attorney General’s website says debilitating results of elder abuse range from physical injury, pain, mental anguish, financial loss, violation of rights, to death.

And elder abuse doesn’t impact just one sector of the community, it crosses all racial, ethnic, economic and religious backgrounds and reaches families in every Ohio community.

In 2009, the Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Commission was established to improve education efforts, boost research and raise awareness.

A Northeast Ohio judge also has advice for people if they suspect elder abuse.

Lorain County Probate Judge James T. Walther said report elder abuse to Adult Protective Services, which are in all Ohio counties. It is confidential, and the agency will investigate.

Walther also says if you believe a loved one or neighbor is suffering from elder abuse, talk to them and discuss some of the changes that you’ve seen with them.

If you believe the person is being taken advantage of, especially financially, and they won’t act to change the situation, call the authorities.

Walther and other judges have the power to suspend powers of attorney, order evaluations, and order Medicaid and Medicare applications be made for the adult.

If it is believed the perpetrators of these abuses are committing a crime, that information is passed along to the police or the prosecutor’s office.

Judges focus on the adult suffering abuse and doing what it takes to get the victim out of harm’s way.

Walther adds the best way to keep loved ones safe from elder abuse is to ensure that important legal documents such as a will and powers of attorney are completed while they are competent, and that people they trust are named to carry out those documents.

The bottom line is to protect the elderly from abuse and for people around senior citizens to be vigilant and get involved.

If you suspect elder abuse, report it.