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Dementia's Link to Abuse
When an elderly person's mental faculties dwindle to the point they have no memory as to what happened moments before, the likelihood for abuse increases.
PHOENIX, AZ, November 02, 2011 /Lifestyle PR News/ -- When an elderly person's mental faculties dwindle to the point they have no memory as to what happened moments before, the likelihood for abuse increases. Mistreatment of the elderly has a significant impact on the chances of dying and dementia increases the chances of that mistreatment. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), mistreated seniors have a 3.1 times greater risk of dying than those who reported no abuse.
The National Center on Elderly Abuse (NCEA) reports that approximately one in ten elders may experience some type of abuse, but only one in five cases are ever reported. Therefore, we must all be on the watch for the signs of elderly abuse.
Dementia and Types of Elder Abuse
Abuse of dementia patients can occur anywhere. However, in a general definition, abuse is intentional by a caregiver that leads to or may cause harm to an elderly person. The types of abuse that this encompasses include:
- Physical abuse - use of force
- Emotional abuse - threats, isolation and verbal attacks
- Sexual abuse - sexual contact that is forced or threatened
- Exploitation - fraud, theft or misuse of an elderly person's financial means
- Neglect - failure to provide for a senior's safety, physical or emotional needs
- Abandonment - desertion of a vulnerable senior
Warning Signs of Elder Abuse in Dementia Patients
Abuse of the elderly occurs across all races, genders, cultures, and soci-economic groups. However, women and the oldest of individuals are most likely to be abused. Some signs that abuse may be taking place, include:
- Unexplained bruises or slap marks
- Burns and blisters
- Filth and lack of medical care
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Unexplained withdrawal from activity
- Bruises around breasts and genital areas
- Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
- Unusual bank withdrawals and loss of property
Any of these signs should set off alarm in your mind. When you are dealing with the elderly, you should know what to do if you suspect elderly abuse. Don't assume that others may have reported the possible abuse. It is your duty to ensure the long-term health of an elderly person by reporting all possible signs of abuse.
If you suspect elder abuse, neglect or exploitation, please obtain more information from the website of Cullan & Cullan M.D., J.D., nursing home abuse attorneys serving the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas of Arizona at www.stopnursinghomeabuse.org.
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