Elder abuse hidden
“The abuse of older people is often hidden and older people themselves may not ask for help or volunteer what has happened,” said leading international expert, Professor Laura Mosqueda, Director of the Irvine Center of Excellence in Elder Abuse and Neglect, University of California.
She was speaking at a seminar on elder abuse in Sydney.
“We estimate in the US that for every one report of abuse, at least another five go unreported,” Professor Mosequeda said.
“Older people who have suffered physical abuse might say that their bruises or other injuries were caused by a fall.
“Alternatively, they or their caregiver will give vague and/or implausible explanations of their injuries.
“It is essential that health professionals, aged care workers, social workers and police are aware of these ‘red flags’ that may indicate abuse.
Other ‘red flags’ include unexplained injuries, delays in seeking help for injuries that obviously require them, and bruising on the head, neck, or soles of the feet.
“However, our experience is that if an alert professional specifically asks the older person whether anyone has hurt them or whether they are afraid of anyone, a different and more disturbing picture may emerge.
“This then allows action to be taken to protect the person from further abuse and, where appropriate, prosecute the perpetrator.
“The reasons why older people are abused or exploited by people close to them are complex.
“Contributing causes include an increasing dependence on others for assistance, being unable to defend oneself physically or emotionally, fear of losing one’s independence and deep feelings of shame,” said Professor Mosqueda.
Professor Mosqueda said stereotypically, older people who have been physically abused, have also been subject to some other form of abuse, such as psychological abuse or financial abuse.
Professor Laura Mosqueda was the keynote speaker at a seminar hosted by the Australian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, the Australian Association of Gerontology NSW Division, Aged and Community Services Association NSW and the ACT, and the Benevolent Society.
