Despite the many programs and systems in place meant to protect the elderly, elder abuse remains prevalent in our society. In the U.S. alone, there are more than half a million reports of abuse against elderly Americans each year, with millions more going unreported (Robinson, Saisan, & Segal, 2016). As elders become more physically fragile, they are less able to stand up for them selves and/or fight back if attacked. They may not be able to see or hear as well as when they were younger, as such, dementia and Alzheimer’s can leave the elderly vulnerable to be taken advantage of. Both mental and physical disorders may make them more difficult for a caregiver to provide necessary assistance, especially in the home setting. Many seniors around
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Physical abuse is the intentional use of force that results in physical pain, injury, impairment or death. This can include hitting, shoving, slapping or burning, but can also include the inappropriate use of drugs, restraints, or confinement. Verbally abusive behavior can consist of intimidation through yelling, humiliation (calling names or insults) or threats, such as nursing home placement. This abuse inflicts anguish, mental pain, fear, or distress. Nonverbal or psychological abuse can be isolating the person from family, friends or activities or ignoring the person. This can also include controlling or limiting access to transportation, the telephone or other resources (Robinson, Saisan, & Segal, …show more content…
The Act authorizes $100 million in federal funding for state and local Adult Protective Services Programs with an additional $25 million authorized for Adult Protective Services demonstration programs. To date, however, Congress has not appropriated money for the implementation of the Elder Justice Act (Tilghman, 2013). This act was aimed at providing funding for the prevention, detection, intervention, treatment and prosecution of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. While there still needs to be much training, education and implementation of programs to protect the elderly, the Elder Justice Act is the first step towards a safer world for our older
Physical abuse is the intentional use of force that results in physical pain, injury, impairment or death. This can include hitting, shoving, slapping or burning, but can also include the inappropriate use of drugs, restraints, or confinement. Verbally abusive behavior can consist of intimidation through yelling, humiliation (calling names or insults) or threats, such as nursing home placement. This abuse inflicts anguish, mental pain, fear, or distress. Nonverbal or psychological abuse can be isolating the person from family, friends or activities or ignoring the person. This can also include controlling or limiting access to transportation, the telephone or other resources (Robinson, Saisan, & Segal, …show more content…
The Act authorizes $100 million in federal funding for state and local Adult Protective Services Programs with an additional $25 million authorized for Adult Protective Services demonstration programs. To date, however, Congress has not appropriated money for the implementation of the Elder Justice Act (Tilghman, 2013). This act was aimed at providing funding for the prevention, detection, intervention, treatment and prosecution of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. While there still needs to be much training, education and implementation of programs to protect the elderly, the Elder Justice Act is the first step towards a safer world for our older