Greetings!

Welcome to Fall and the beginning of my favorite season: FallWinterSpring! Hope you had a great, relaxing summer.

Mine started out relaxing but upon my return from vacation, it got very busy very fast! In addition to being published, quoted, and recorded, I also filled my Generational Coaching practice. To accommodate the demand, I'm happy to announce that I'm adding more days and times. So . . . if you or someone you know is currently struggling with an eldercare crisis - or if you want to plan ahead and resolve your eldercare issues by choice, not crisis - please call toll-free (877) AGE-WISE or email me at Barbara@AgeWiseLiving.com for a complimentary "get acquainted" conversation. I'm here to help!

Speaking of helping . . . One of the things I love about doing seminars is that I'm able to help a lot of people address their eldercare issues before there's a crisis. However, as you can see below, I have very few "live" seminars scheduled. That's because while I'm still doing live seminars, I'm also going to be offering *Free* monthly teleseminars so people from all over the country can "attend". They will be from 7-8p Eastern time on the 2nd Wednesday of each month starting on October 11th. In the meantime, I hope you will join me for "Caring for Our Aging Parents: All I'm Trying To Do Is Help", a teleseminar I'm doing with the National Association of Baby Boomer Women on Tuesday, September 26th at 7p Eastern time. Check for details below.

Until next month, take care.

ARTICLE: HOW TO PREVENT "ELDER ABUSE"

I'm sure many of you have heard the tragic story of Brooke Astor, the multimillionaire New York socialite who is alleged to have been mistreated by her son, who controls her $45 million portfolio. Obviously this case is making the headlines because of her celebrity and it's easy - even comforting - to believe that this sort of abuse only happens when there are vast sums of money involved.

Elder abuse is possible because it happens to the frailest and most vulnerable - especially if there is dementia and those who are isolated because the abuser lives with them and can keep them inaccessible and controlled.

WHAT IS "ELDER ABUSE?"

According to the Department for the Aging, unlike one-time crimes that are perpetrated by con artists and over-zealous telemarketers, elder abuse escalates over time, moves from one level of abuse to another or can be a combination of abuses. It is defined as:

The infliction of physical pain or injury, or physical coercion (and confinement against one's will). For example:

Malnourished or dehydrated
Improperly cared for wounds
Bruises in shapes of objects (eg: hand, belt)
Wears torn, stained, or bloody clothing
Injuries that do not match explanations

Sudden isolation from family/friends
Prohibited from using the telephone
Has no opportunity to speak for self
Prohibited from leaving room/home
Contact prohibited with family or friends
Inadequate clothing or personal care items
when there seems to be enough money
Mistreated or abused animals

And the illegal or unethical exploitation and/or use of funds or other assets of the elderly person. For example:

Missing funds or valuables
Unpaid bills or rent
ATM used by a bed-bound person
Newly opened joint banking account
Unexpectedly large cash withdrawals
Property or savings are mismanaged
Abrupt changes in will or property title
Inappropriate person banking for them
Self-report of financial abuse

Indicators of elder abuse may also include the behavior of the elder him/herself. For example:

Missing funds or valuables
Tearful, talking about suicide
Low self-esteem, doubts their sanity
Flinches or draws away
Anxiety/panic attacks
Very hesitant to talk freely
Sudden change in appetite
Repeated accidental injuries
Appears or hints at being frightened
Fearful of caregiver or helping professionals
Self-report of abuse/mistreatment

If you suspect elder abuse - even if you have no proof - you must report it. But what if the person being abused is embarrassed, afraid of retaliation, and/or fears being abandoned, and begs you not to tell? What if you're wrong? First, the abuser is counting on secrets. And second, short-term embarrassment or your loved one's anger is nothing compared to long-term abuse and guilt at not reporting it.

HOW TO REPORT ELDER ABUSE
If someone is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call the police or 9-1-1 immediately. If you suspect abuse but the danger is not immediate, you can tell your loved one's doctor (a mandated reporter) or call the police. You can also find state elder abuse hotlines and contact information through the national Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. You can call toll-free 1-800-677-1116 where specially trained operators will refer you to a local agency that can help. This number is available Monday through Friday from 9a to 8p (except U.S. federal holidays). Or go to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) at http://elderabusecenter.org/ and click on "State Elder Abuse Hotlines". If the elder lives in another state, call the protective services agency where the elder lives.

However, once you take away the abuser, the elder may be more lonely and isolated so it's important to fill the void with calls and/or visits from you and with community services such as senior centers, senior day care, and visits with social workers. And finally, look out for seniors in your community who may be vulnerable and speak up if you have concerns. Even if you're not sure, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Copyright © 2000-2008 AgeWiseLiving, LLC

Upcoming Seminars

For lots more information about this and many other important eldercare issues, attend an AgeWiseLiving seminar. For upcoming dates and locations, please go to Seminars.

MANAGING YOUR SUBSCRIPTION