Community Corner

If You See Elder Abuse, Report It

The following was submitted by the North Andover Senior Center.

“Efforts to address elder abuse are 40 years behind those of child abuse and 20 years behind those of domestic violence” said Kathy Greenlee, Assistant Secretary for Aging (ASA) and Administration for Community Living Administrator.

Greenlee added “That if we do not act now and apply the lessons we have learned from combating child abuse and domestic violence and sexual assault to develop a comprehensive approach that brings together all of the different resources to prevent elder abuse, the problem will only deepen.  Elder abuse is a problem that is only going to intensify as the population ages and the number of older persons increases."

Elder abuse can happen to anyone and can occur  anywhere—in a person’s own home, in nursing homes  or assisted living facilities, even in hospitals. It affects elders across all social, economic groups, cultures, and races. Based on available information, women, elders who are homebound or isolated, and individuals ages 80 and older are most at risk. Perhaps surprising is that the mistreatment is most often perpetrated by the individual’s own family members.

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Common risk factors for abuse include: The elder is socially isolated or withdrawn;  The elder is in poor physical health; The elder has dementia or mental health or substance abuse issues; The perpetrator has mental health or substance abuse issues.   If You Suspect Abuse—Report It. If you suspect elder abuse, report it.  Act to protect seniors by bringing suspected abuse to the attention of the appropriate authorities. You have options to report suspected abuse: contact the North Andover Senior Center, North Andover Police Department, North Andover Public Health Nurse.

The North Andover Director of Elder Services and the Outreach Coordinator are both mandated reporters for Elder Abuse, act now “If you see it, report it.”  978 688-9560.

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