ABUSE AND NEGLECT OF THE ELDERLY OR DISABLED:

What is ABUSE? Abuse is the mistreatment or neglect of an older person (60 years or older to be considered elderly by Louisiana law.)

• Physical abuse- is any type of physical injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation or cruel punishment of an adult resulting in physical harm.

•  Sexual abuse- The involvement of an adult who is determined to be an unwilling participant or is in a state of diminished physical and or mental capacity in any sexual act or situation.

• Emotional abuse-The injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or cruel punishment of an adult with resulting emotional harm or pain.

• Exploitation- The illegal or improper us or management of an elderly persons or disabled adult’s funds, assets or property or the use of an elderly person’s or disabled adult’s power of attorney or guardianship for one’s profit or advantage.

• Extortion- The acquisition of a thing of value from an unwilling or reluctant adult by physical force, intimidation, or abuse of legal or official authority.

• Abandonment- The desertion or willful forsaking of an adult by anyone having care or custody of that person under circumstances in which a reasonable person would continue to provide care and custody.

• Isolation- preventing an adult from having contact with family, friends, or concerned person. Preventing an adult from receiving his/her mail or telephone calls. Physical violence or chemical restraint of an adult committed for the purpose of preventing contact with visitors, family, friends or other concerned persons. Place or confinement of an adult into a restricted area for the purposes of social deprivation or preventing contact with family, friends, visitors, or other concerned persons.

• Caregiver Neglect- The inability or unwillingness of the caregiver to provide for basic needs (food, clothing, medicine, ect.) of a person with a mental or physical disability.

WHY DOES THE PROBLEM CONTINUE?

• Denial- Some older people simply refuse to believe that they are being abused by their loved ones.

• Dependency- Many older people believe they have no other resource, so they live with the situation.

• Lack of involvement- Friends, relatives or neighbors may tolerate abuse because they don’t think it should be any of their business.

• Fear and Shame- Older people may fear the possibility of retaliation or just be ashamed. Some older persons may wish to protect their family member.

• Physical/mental illness- Older people who have physical or mental illnesses must over come special obstacles to stop abuse.

• Lack of services- Housing, care and service for elderly may be lacking.

• Lack of awareness- Older people may not be aware there are laws to protect them or know they were even a victim of a crime.

Why should I know about elder abuse?

Because it’s an extremely serious Problem! Elder abuse is very common and most often hidden. But there is Help.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of Elderly abuse or Neglect you may make an anonymous report to your local law enforcement agency or Elderly Protective Services Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs (within the state of Louisiana)1-800-259-4990. Please direct any questions to Elderly services Sgt. Valerie Martinez-Day.

Or for more important information go to www.ag.state.la.us .

Or call your regional office: