The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) has announced that World Elder Abuse Day 2010 is June 15. According to INPEA somewhere between 4% and 6% of the elder population suffer some form of abuse in the home and even more at risk of abuse in institutions such hospitals and nursing home.
Risk factors for elder abuse include the following: Conflict arising from financial dependence of seniors, frailty and weakness of older people, erosion of bonds between the generations, tensions arising from possible inheritance issues, the growing trend of adult children not living near their aging parents thus creating the need for others to help care for the elderly.
Symptoms of elder abuse include frequent injuries or illnesses that require medical attention, implausible explanations for injuries from caregivers and inconsistent stories from patient and caregiver.
The purpose of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is to raise awareness of the growing problem of elder abuse. If you think that an elderly person is being abused you should contact the Police, the Local Department of Health or an attorney.
Andrew Lamkin is principal in the law firm of Andrew M. Lamkin, P.C., where he focuses his practice in the areas of elder law, estate planning and special needs planning, including Wills and Trusts, Medicaid planning, estate administration and residential real estate transactions. He is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey.
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