The Family Guide to Preventing Elder Abuse: How to Protect Your Parents?and Yourself
184
The Family Guide to Preventing Elder Abuse: How to Protect Your Parents?and Yourself
184Paperback
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Overview
The rapid aging of the American population and its accompanying epidemic of dementia and Alzheimer's disease has brought about an awareness of the increasing vulnerability of our elders. Taking care of our parents and protecting them from exploitation and abuse at the hands of others can evolve into a virtual full-time occupation, especially among today’s baby boomers. The Family Guide to Preventing Elder Abuse provides a practical manual to help prepare the reader for the challenges that arise as our parents begin to lose their independence.
In each chapter of this guide, a nationally recognized expert provides specific advice regarding effective actions that can be taken in order to protect loved ones in every area of their lives. They offer practical answers to such questions as:
What qualities should you look for in a caretaker?
What are the pros and cons of trusts and guardianships?
Who do you go to if you suspect abuse of any kind?
How do you best protect your own rights so that you can preserve the rights of your loved one?
What are the most common financial scams that target the elderly?
The Family Guide to Preventing Elder Abuse addresses every personal, medical, financial, and legal consideration that may arise for adult children of a senior citizen.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781510716483 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Skyhorse |
| Publication date: | 04/18/2017 |
| Pages: | 184 |
| Product dimensions: | 6.00(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.60(d) |
About the Author
Thomas Lee Wright is a prize-winning documentarian and author whose works have dealt with urgent and emerging social justice issues, including PTSD in the military, judicial reform, and urban American gangs. His films have toured with the Human Rights Watch International festival and been broadcast worldwide on the Discovery Channel. He lives in Mercer Island, Washington.
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
Twenty Facts about Senior Isolation
by Sarah Jamila Stevenson
Sarah Jamila Stevensonis a writer, artist, editor, and graphic designer in Northern California. For over two years, she was a freelance writer for A Place for Mom's Senior Living blog and "Twenty Facts About Senior Isolation" was first published there during that time. She is also the author of three young adult novels: The Latte Rebellion, Underneath, and The Truth Against the World. Her first novel for young adults, The Latte Rebellion, was a Scholastic Book Club pick as well as an IPPY Bronze Medalist in Multicultural Children's Fiction. Her work has been featured on Capital Public Radio's Insight and NPR's Tell Me More with Michel Martin.
Feelings of loneliness and isolation can lead to serious consequences for senior health. Understanding the causes and risk factors for senior isolation can help us prevent it.
Nobody relishes the prospect of aging without a spouse or family member at their side, without friends to help them laugh at the ridiculous parts and support them through the difficult times. Yet that is just what many North American seniors face. As the baby boomer generation crosses the over-65 threshold, it grows; but many of our aging loved ones are still feeling alone in the crowd.
Statistics on Senior Isolation
According to the US Census Bureau, 11 million people, or 28% of those aged 65 and older, lived alone in 2010. As people get older, their likelihood of living alone only increases. Additionally, more and more older adults do not have children, reports AARP, and that means fewer family members to provide company and care as those adults become seniors.
While living alone does not inevitably lead to social isolation, it is certainly a predisposing factor. Yet another important consideration is how often seniors engage in social activities.
Social contacts tend to decrease as we age for a variety of reasons, including retirement, the death of friends and family, or lack of mobility. Regardless of the causes of senior isolation, the consequences can be alarming and even harmful. Even perceived social isolation — the feeling that you are lonely — is a struggle for many older people. Fortunately, the past couple of decades have seen increasing research into the risks, causes, and prevention of loneliness in seniors. Here are 20 facts about senior isolation to help you stay informed:
1. Senior isolation increases the risk of mortality.
According to a 2012 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), both social isolation and loneliness are associated with a higher risk of mortality in adults aged 52 and older.
One possible explanation: "People who live alone or lack social contacts may be at increased risk of death if acute symptoms develop, because there is less of a network of confidantes to prompt medical attention." Efforts to reduce isolation are the key to addressing the issue of mortality, said the study's authors.
2. Feelings of loneliness can negatively affect both physical and mental health.
Regardless of the facts of a person's isolation, seniors who feel lonely and isolated are more likely to report also having poor physical or mental health, as reported in a 2009 study using data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project.
Connecting seniors with social resources, such as senior centers and meal delivery programs, is one way to combat subjective feelings of isolation.
3. Perceived loneliness contributes to cognitive decline and risk of dementia.
Dr. John Cacioppo, a neuroscientist and psychologist at the University of Chicago, has been studying social isolation for 30 years. One frightening finding is that feelings of loneliness are linked to poor cognitive performance and quicker cognitive decline.
We evolved to be a social species, says Dr. Cacioppo — it's hardwired into our brains, and when we don't meet that need, it can have physical and neurological effects.
4. Social isolation makes seniors more vulnerable to elder abuse.
Many studies show a connection between social isolation and higher rates of elder abuse, reports the National Center on Elder Abuse. Researchers are not sure whether this is because isolated adults are more likely to fall victim to abuse, or a result of abusers attempting to isolate the elders from others to minimize risk of discovery.
A critical strategy for reducing elder abuse is speaking up: abuse, neglect, and exploitation often go unreported. As for prevention, maintaining connections with senior loved ones helps ensure their safety.
5. LGBT seniors are much more likely to be socially isolated.
LGBT seniors are twice as likely to live alone, according to SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders); they are more likely to be single and they are less likely to have children — and they are more likely to be estranged from their biological families.
Stigma and discrimination are major roadblocks to support for LGBT seniors, but there are more and more community groups and online resources devoted to helping these elders avoid isolation.
6. Social isolation in seniors is linked to long-term illness.
In the PNAS study mentioned in point #1, illnesses and conditions such as chronic lung disease, arthritis, impaired mobility, and depression were associated with social isolation. Ensuring appropriate care for our loved ones' illnesses can help prevent this isolation. For homebound seniors, phone calls and visits can be a critical part of connecting with loved ones. Others may find that moving to an assisted living community addresses both issues — the need for ongoing care and the desire for companionship.
7. Loneliness in seniors is a major risk factor for depression.
Numerous studies over the past decade have shown that feeling loneliness is associated with more depressive symptoms in both middle-aged and older adults.
One important first step is recognizing those feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression and seeking treatment — whether it's on your own behalf or for the sake of a loved one.
8. Loneliness causes high blood pressure.
A 2010 study in Psychology and Aging indicated a direct relationship between loneliness in older adults and increases in systolic blood pressure over a four-year period. These increases were independent of race, ethnicity, gender, and other possible contributing factors. Early interventions for loneliness, say the study's authors, may be key to preventing both the isolation and associated health risks.
9. Socially isolated seniors are more pessimistic about the future.
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), socially isolated seniors are more likely to predict their quality of life will get worse over the next five to ten years, are more concerned about needing help from community programs as they get older, and are more likely to express concerns about aging.
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) says community-based programs and services are critical in helping ward off potential problems and improving quality of life for older people.
10. Physical and geographic isolation often leads to social isolation.
"One in six seniors living alone in the United States faces physical, cultural, and/or geographical barriers that isolate them from their peers and communities," reports the National Council on Aging. "This isolation can prevent them from receiving benefits and services that can improve their economic security and their ability to live healthy, independent lives." Referring isolated older adults to senior centers, activity programs, and transportation services can go a long way toward creating valuable connections and reducing isolation.
11. Isolated seniors are more likely to need long-term care.
Loneliness and social isolation are major predictors of seniors utilizing home care, as well as entering nursing homes. A positive aspect of care in a communal facility is that using long-term health care services can in itself connect seniors with much-needed support. Particularly for seniors in rural areas, entering a care facility may provide companionship and social contact.
12. Loss of a spouse is a major risk factor for loneliness and isolation.
Losing a spouse, an event which becomes more common as people enter older age, has been shown by numerous studies to increase seniors' vulnerability to emotional and social isolation. Besides the loneliness brought on by bereavement, the loss of a partner may also mean the loss of social interactions that were facilitated by being part of a couple.
Ensuring seniors have access to family and friendship support can help alleviate this loneliness.
13. Transportation challenges can lead to social isolation.
According to the AARP, "life expectancy exceeds safe driving expectancy after age 70 by about six years for men and 10 years for women." Yet 41% of seniors do not feel that the transportation support in their community is adequate, says the NCOA.
Having access to adequate public transportation or other senior transportation services is key to seniors' accessing programs and resources, as well as their feelings of connectedness and independence.
14. Caregivers of the elderly are also at risk for social isolation.
Being a family caregiver is an enormous responsibility, whether you are caring for a parent, spouse, or other relative. When that person has Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or a physical impairment, the caregiver may feel even less able to set aside his or her caregiving duties to attend to social relationships they previously enjoyed. This can trigger loneliness and depression. Seeking support, caring for yourself, and even looking for temporary respite care can help ward off caregiver loneliness and restore your sense of connection.
15. Loneliness can be contagious.
Studies have found that loneliness has a tendency to spread from person to person, due to negative social interactions and other factors. In other words, when one person is lonely, that loneliness is more likely to spread to friends or contacts of the lonely individual. Making things even worse, people have a tendency to further isolate people who are lonely because we have evolved to avoid threats to our social cohesion.
It's a complicated situation, and simply telling seniors to engage in more social activities may not be enough. Considering our loved ones' needs as individuals is a valuable first step to figuring out how to prevent or combat isolation.
16. Lonely people are more likely to engage in unhealthy behavior.
A 2011 study using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging found that people who are socially isolated or lonely are also more likely to report risky health behaviors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and smoking. Conversely, social support can help encourage seniors to eat well, exercise, and live healthy lifestyles.
Living in a community situation can be an effective barrier to loneliness, and most senior communities specifically promote wellness through diet and exercise programs.
17. Volunteering can reduce social isolation and loneliness in seniors.
We all know that volunteering is a rewarding activity, and seniors have a unique skill set and oodles of life experience to contribute to their communities. It can also boost longevity and contribute to mental health and well-being, and it ensures that seniors have a source of social connection. There are plenty of opportunities tailor-made for seniors interested in volunteering, which can be found on websites such as allforgood.org,foodforward.org, retiredbrains.com, seniorcorps.org, voa.org (Volunteers of America), nationalservice.gov, and volunteermatch.org.
18. Feeling isolated? Take a class.
A review of studies looking at various types of interventions on senior loneliness found that the most effective programs for combating isolation had an educational or training component: for instance, classes on health-related topics, computer training, or exercise classes.
19. Technology can help senior isolation — but not always.
Even though modern technology provides us with more opportunities than ever for keeping in touch, sometimes the result is that we feel lonelier than ever. The key to finding technological interventions that really do help is matching those interventions to the specific needs of individual seniors.
One simple strategy that does help: for seniors with hearing loss, simply providing a hearing aid can improve communication and reduce loneliness. Phone contact and Internet-based support programs were less consistent in their effectiveness, but for some, they might provide a lifeline.
20. Physical activity reduces senior isolation.
Group exercise programs, it turns out, are a wonderfully effective way to reduce isolation and loneliness in seniors — and of course they have the added benefit of being great for physical and mental health. In one study, seniors reported greater well-being regardless of whether the activity was aerobic or lower-impact, like stretching.
Senior isolation is neither inevitable nor irreversible. Getting the facts can help us prevent loneliness in our senior loved ones as they face the life changes of aging.
CHAPTER 2Isolation: The Cruelest Form of Elder Abuse
by Linda Kincaid
Linda Kincaid was a public health professional and safety consultant to high-tech companies for two decades before her mother was kidnapped, held prisoner, and isolated in an assisted living facility. Linda was fortunate in retaining a trial attorney who obtained a temporary restraining order against isolation elder abuse. The restraining order secured the abused elder's right to visitation. Family was allowed to visit within hours of the court hearing. Following the ordeal, Linda brought her training in root cause analysis to the issue of elder abuse and elder rights. Responding to law enforcement apathy and systemic failure that are so prevalent in elder abuse cases, Linda cofounded Coalition for Elder & Disability Rights (CEDAR). Isolation elder abuse of Carol Hahn (Linda's mother) was the impetus for the nation's first legislation on right to visitation. Certain names have been changed for reasons of privacy.
California enacted the nation's first legislation clarifying an elder's right to visitation with loved ones. Our legislature passed Assembly Bill 937 (2013) in response to extended and unlawful isolation of my mother, Carol Hahn. Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 937 into law on September 19, 2013, two days after Mom died. Our family honors my mother's memory by advocating for other vulnerable individuals to enjoy the rights and freedoms that my mother was denied.
All elder abuse is harmful. Abuse crushes the spirit and destroys the dignity of the elder. Isolation abuse is particularly insidious. Hidden from the watchful eyes of family and friends, isolated elders fall victim to increasingly horrific forms of abuse. Emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and chemical restraint all occur in long-term care facilities. Subpoenaed documents in my mother's case contain many indicators of sexual assaults by a male caregiver who worked alone on the night shift. Medication records show escalating chemical restraint to silence my mother's cries for help. California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR) comments:
California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR) is considered one of the nation's leading advocacy groups for elder rights. CANHR's Visitation Guide for California Long Term Care Facilities and Hospitals contains guidance and relevant statutes for California and the nation:
"The right to visit with people is among our most sacred personal rights. Even the US Constitution guarantees a right to visit by preventing federal or state governments from abridging our freedom to associate. ...
"California Assembly Bill 937 (Wieckowski, 2013) amended Cal. Probate Code 2531, clarifying once and for all that conservators, California's strongest form of surrogate, may not control a conservatee's visitation or other personal rights unless a specific court order is made. If conservators need special court orders, weaker forms of surrogate like agents or family members need special court orders."
Visitation is extremely important to hospital patients and residents of long-term care facilities. Studies show that visitation is highly correlated with improved quality of life for patients and residents.
Imprisonment and Isolation in Assisted Living Facility
My mother began showing signs of dementia in 2006. As her memories faded, we were committed to finding the best care possible. But family had no role in Mom's care after she was taken from her home.
By June 2010, my mother's memories were clouded by Alzheimer's disease. Mom's step-granddaughter "Jennifer" seized control of my mother and her estate. Within days, Jennifer had control of the assets. She engaged an attorney to execute a power of attorney for finances and a power of attorney for health care, both naming Jennifer as agent for my mother. Jennifer engaged the attorney to execute a trust with Jennifer as trustee for my mother. The attorney later testified that Jennifer did not share any information about my mother's cognitive decline of the previous years. He testified that he believed I was estranged from my mother and had no contact with her since I was eight years old.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Family Guide to Preventing Elder Abuse"
by .
Copyright © 2017 Thomas Lee Wright.
Excerpted by permission of Skyhorse Publishing.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Introduction ix
Part 1 Elder Abuse 1
Chapter 1 Twenty Facts about Senior Isolation 3
Chapter 2 Isolation 12
Chapter 3 Financial Exploitation 26
Chapter 4 Planning for Illness 42
Chapter 5 Top 10 Scams on the Elderly 51
Part 2 Taking Action 73
Chapter 6 If You Suspect Abuse 75
Chapter 7 Working with Professionals 81
Chapter 8 Abusive Guardianships 94
Chapter 9 Pursuing Justice 100
Part 3 Finishing Strong 109
Chapter 10 How to Video Record Your Loved One's Wishes 111
Chapter 11 Telling the Story 118
Chapter 12 Advice for Caretakers 127
Chapter 13 Looking to the Future 148
Chapter 14 Your Checklist of Action Items 155
About the Author 158
Acknowledgments 159
Bibliographic Notes 160
Index 163