StrongHearts raises elder abuse awareness
EAGAN, Minn – Despite the horror
of being physically hurt and having their
money or medication stolen, elders who are
abused or neglected often endure the abuse
without calling for help. As lifelong care-
givers and protectors, many elders suffer in
silence to maintain the well-being of their
family and this may include their abuser.
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Aware-
ness Day – a day to raise awareness and
prevent elder abuse. It’s a day to reflect on
what it’s like to become an elder and the
many challenges they face, such as losing
strength, muscle and bone mass. Mental
clarity can deteriorate and lead to memory
loss. These inevitable vulnerabilities leave
our elders at risk of being abused.
According to the National Council on
Aging, most abuse occurs in the home and
at the hands of family members.
“It’s unacceptable when elders silently
suffer abuse and neglect at the hands of
those who should be protecting them,”
said CEO Lori Jump, StrongHearts Native
Helpline. “Many elders refuse to report
their abusers because they are closely
related and want to protect their family,
but there are so many more reasons that
most people can’t imagine.”
These reasons can include:
•
•
•
•
•
Love: Despite the abuse or neglect,
victims continue to love their abusive
partner or relative.
•
•
•
•
•
Caregiver neglect – a failure to meet
basic needs (food, water, medical care)
Sexual abuse – forced or unwanted
sexual interactions of any kind
Cultural and spiritual abuse
Learn the signs of abuse
Elder abuse is an intentional act or
failure to act that causes or creates a risk
of harm to an older adult. The abuser can
be a family member, caretaker or another
person whom the elder trusts. Types of
abuse can include:
The signs of elder abuse may be diffi-
cult to spot as they could sometimes be the
result of disease, side effects from medi-
cations or similar reasons. If you suspect
that an elder is being abused, however, be
patient, talk and listen to them. Be aware
they may say they are being “disrespected”
rather than abused. Other signs of abuse
can include:
•
•
Emotional abuse – causes mental
pain, fear and/or distress
Physical abuse – the use of force to
cause pain, injury, etc.
Financial abuse – improper use of an
elder’s money, property or assets
How can you help?
Education is always the first step.
Understand the warning signs of elder
abuse and pay attention to the elders in
your life. Ensuring that our elders are
properly cared for can include:
Types of abuse
•
•
Fear: Elders may fear retaliation if
they report the abuse.
Embarrassment: Worrying about
what others might think or do to make
matters worse.
Lack of Resources: Many elders live
on fixed incomes and may depend on
their abuser for shelter.
Accessibility: Elders may not be
able to report if they do not have
access to cell phones, internet and/or
transportation.
Poly-victimization and normalization:
For generations, Native people have
endured multiple types of abuse at the
hands of non-Natives, so much so that
abuse seems normal and an everyday
part of life.
•
•
•
•
•
Unexplained bruising or injury
Changes in behavior
Lack of interest in family or social
events
Loss of weight
Not having necessary medical aids
(glasses, walkers, teeth, etc.) or
adequate food, water, shelter
•
•
•
Offering to help those in your family
who might feel burdened with the care
of a loved one
Spending time with an elder and plan-
ning a rotating schedule if you have
multiple caregivers
Bringing them nutritional foods like
baked goods or, even better, fry bread
Talking and listening to their stories
because elders have a lot of wisdom
to share and appreciate
Every state has an Adult Protective
Services division for those wishing
to report abuse at www.napsa-now.
org/help-in-your-area
StrongHearts can help. Advocates
are available 24/7 to provide support and
advocacy, make referrals to Native-centered
service providers and connect our relatives
to regionally available resources. We are
here 24/7/365 – call or text 844-762-8483
or chat online at strongheartshelpline.org.
Sources
National Center for Injury Prevention
and Control, Division of Violence Preven-
tion https://www.cdc.gov/violencepreven-
tion/elderabuse/fastfact.html
National Adult Protective Services
Association https://www.napsa-now.org/
help-in-your-area/
June 2023
•
Siletz News
•
13