***Boomers Beware

written by Sue Susskind

With Father’s Day approaching, it gives us time to reflect on the wonderful life that we lead, and how much of it that we owe to our dads. We realize it is now time to give back, and make sure we do everything we can to ensure that Dad enjoys and stays safe in his “Golden Years.”

As our parents age and face new challenges, family members or outside agencies may be brought in to help care for our parents. We want to enable them to live life to the fullest, and in their own homes, if possible. Whether family members or outside agencies help to provide care, the chance of abuse is always prevalent.

Abuse is defined as to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver, family member or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to older people. There are several different types of abuse; physical, emotional, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, sexual, financial and spiritual to name a few. Older people are more vulnerable to abuse because of:

* Dementia
* Social Isolation
* Mental Impairment
* Caregiver Stress
* Cannot fend for themselves emotionally or physically
* Dependent on their care provider

It is vital that you learn to recognize warning signs of abuse. Below is a list of some of these signs:

* Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns .
* Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse.
* Bruises around the breasts or genital area can occur from sexual abuse.
* Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of exploitation.
* Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss.
* Behavior such as belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses.
* Strained or tense relationships, frequent arguments between the caregiver and older person are also signs.

If you notice changes in personality or behavior, you should start to question what is going on.

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) annually. It is up to all of us to raise awareness and put an end to elder abuse. For more information on WEAAD or elder abuse, visit www.inpea.net. Together we can make this my world…..your world…..our world, free of elder abuse.