Here’s a disturbing statistic: it is estimated that between 5 and 10 percent of all senior citizens experience some sort of elder abuse.
Here’s another disturbing stat: some estimates say that only about 1 out of every 24 instances of abuse are ever reported to the local authorities.
This conversation isn’t about money, it’s about the wellbeing of someone that you love. But in the end, abuse is expensive. It increases the likelihood of other ailments and disabilities, and it drastically increases the risk of premature death. This kind of care costs families and the healthcare system in general billions of dollars each year. But when it’s something that is happening to someone that you love, money is not an immediate concern. You are concerned about the person you love, and whether they will ever be able to have the life that they wish for again.
Oftentimes, abuse might not be readily apparent. This is why it’s so important that you seek outside help if you think that something is going on. More and more, physical abuse and neglect is something that becomes apparent within the emergency department. Doctors are becoming more skilled at detecting the signs of abuse, and ED physicians are receiving more thorough training in this area. If you are with a loved one in the emergency department and have concerns, this is the place to voice them. ED visits are typically unplanned occurrences, and they are extended doctor’s visits, allowing more individuals to meet with your loved one and talk to them and observe them.
A few things happen because of the unique nature of an emergency room stay. One, it is unplanned so if someone is abusing your parent, they will not have much time to hide their crime. If something is going on, physical, mental, financial, or otherwise, there’s very little wiggle room for the guilty party. Police and social workers can gather the evidence that they need more easily. Two, because of the collaborative nature of the ED, more than one professional will be able to meet with your parent. This includes doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, and more. Working as a team, more accurate information can be brought to light. If something is going on, a team working together is more likely to find out than just one or two trained individuals.
For many individuals, the emergency department is a last resort. Medical care is needed, and there are no other alternatives. But in the war against elder abuse, the emergency room has become the front line of battle. If you find yourself in the ED with your mom or dad and have concerns about their safety, speak up.
Of course, the emergency department is not your only choice here. If concerns of any sort arise, you have other options. Speak with the police or your county’s Senior Services Department immediately. No one deserves to be abused, and if you have a suspicion that it is happening, acting quickly may be the thing that saves your parent’s life.
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