What Are Signs of Abuse? You may see signs of abuse or neglect when you visit an older adult at home or in an eldercare facility. You may notice the person: • Stops taking part in activities they enjoy • Looks messy, with unwashed hair or dirty clothes • Has trouble sleeping . • Loses weight for no reason • Becomes withdrawn or acts agitated or violent • Displays signs of trauma, like rocking back and forth • Has unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or scars • Has broken eyeglasses/frames, or physical signs of punishment or being restrained • Develops bed sores or other preventable conditions • Lacks medical aids (glasses, walker, dentures, hearing aid, medications) • Has an eviction notice for unpaid rent, a notice of late mortgage, or home eviction • Has hazardous, unsafe, or unclean living conditions • Displays signs of insufficient care or unpaid bills despite adequate financial resources If you see signs of abuse, try talking with the older adult to find out what’s going on. For instance, the abuse may be from another resident and not from someone who works at the nursing home or assisted living facility. Most importantly, get help or report what you see to adult protective services. You do not need to prove that abuse is occurring. Professionals will investigate. Who Can Help? Elder abuse will not stop on its own. Someone else needs to step in and help. Many older adults are too ashamed to report mistreatment. Or, they’re afraid if they make a report it will get back to the abuser and make the situation worse. If you think someone you know is being abused — physically, emotionally, or financially — talk with him or her when the two of you are alone. You could say you think something is wrong and you’re worried. Offer to take him or her to get help, for instance, at a local adult protective services agency. Many local, state, and national social service agencies can help with emotional, legal, and financial abuse. The Administration for Community Living has a National Center on Elder Abuse where you can learn about how to report abuse, where to get help, and state laws that deal with abuse and neglect. Go to https://ncea.acl.gov for more information. Or, call the Eldercare Locator weekdays at 800-677-1116. Most states require that doctors and lawyers report elder mistreatment. Family and friends can also report it. Do not wait. Help is available. If you think someone is in urgent danger, call 911 or your local police to get help right away. What Is the Long-Term Effect of Abuse? Most physical wounds heal in time. But elder abuse can lead to early death, harm to physical and psychological health, destroy social and family ties, cause devastating financial loss, and more. Any type of mistreatment can leave the abused person feeling fearful and depressed. Sometimes, the victim thinks the abuse is his or her fault. Adult protective service agencies can suggest support groups and counseling that can help the abused person heal the emotional wounds. ■ Learn the signs of abuse, neglect and exploitation to help protect the vulnerable citizens of Montana. Statewide Reporting 1-844-277-9300 Monday- Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm For more information visit: www.aps.mt.gov. Any type of mistreatment can leave the abused person feeling fearful and depressed. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 20 Montana Funeral Directors Association
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