Prosecutor: Know, watch for signs of elder abuse

Elder Abuse Awareness Day was Wednesday and Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner is calling attention to the warning signs of elder mistreatment.

Many older adults require care and are vulnerable to violence, neglect or abuse from a caregiver or someone they trust. Hamner said elder abuse is more common than people might think — 1 in 10 individuals 60 and older experience it. It is up to the people in the lives of the elderly to look out for them and seek help on their behalf if signs of abuse are detected.

“Many of these situations are extremely troubling and sad. We depend on the community, friends and family members to report abuse when it occurs so action can be taken to stop or prevent it in the future,” Hamner said in a statement.

Common types of elder abuse include:

• Physical abuse — when an elder experiences illness, pain, injury, functional impairment, distress, or death as a result of the intentional use of physical force and includes acts such as hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping and burning.
• Sexual abuse — involves forced or unwanted sexual interaction of any kind with an older adult.
• Emotional/Psychological abuse — refers to verbal or nonverbal behaviors that inflict anguish, mental pain, fear, or distress on an older adult. Examples include humiliation or disrespect, verbal and non-verbal threats, harassment, and geographic or interpersonal isolation.
• Neglect — the failure to meet an older adult’s basic needs. These needs include food, water, shelter, clothing, hygiene, and essential medical care.
• Financial abuse — the illegal, unauthorized, or improper use of an elder’s money, benefits, belongings, property, or assets for the benefit of someone other than the older adult.

Anyone who believes or has reason to believe that someone is an endangered adult and is a victim of neglect (including self-neglect), abuse, or exploitation is required by law to make a report to law enforcement via 911, local Adult Protective Services, or through the Indiana APS Hotline at 800-992-6978. The report may be confidential.