Elder Services Executive Director
Protecting elders from abuse
By Robert P. Dean
The Protective Services programs at Elder Services, and at 21 other Aging Services Access Points across Massachusetts, provide assistance to elders who are victims of self-neglect, or abuse or financial exploitation by another person. In the majority of cases, the abuser is someone the elder knows. The protective program works with the elder to identify the type of abuse and takes steps to stop it. Sometimes, further abuse or neglect can be prevented by implementing supportive in-home services such as personal care and homemaking, or in the case of financial exploitation, by offering assistance with money management.
According to statistics recently released by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the number of reports statewide of abuse by others or of self-neglect grew by almost 15% this past year. (From 9,884 reports between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2004, to 11,503 reports between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005). Elder Affairs projects that there will be approximately 13,500 statewide reports this year, which would represent a 15% increase for the second year in a row.
There are various factors contributing to such a significant growth in the number of reports of elder abuse. In July 2004, the state legislature amended Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 19A (section 14), to include self-neglect within the statutory definition of elder abuse, which had previously only included abuse or financial exploitation by another. As a result, all mandated reporters (which include social workers, medical professionals, and fire, police, and other emergency responders) are required by law to report cases of elder self-neglect and not just cases of abuse. In the last year, Council on Aging directors have been added to the list of mandated reporters. Cases of self-neglect, which had previously been unreported or under-reported, are now being reported in much greater numbers than ever before. The increased number of reports may reflect an actual rise in elder abuse and self-neglect, or an increased community awareness of the Protective Services programs and the services they provide. Mental health issues and substance abuse among an elder’s family members, particularly caregivers, also contribute to increased reports of elder abuse and financial exploitation.
With regard to elder self-neglect in Berkshire County, we are seeing an increased number of reports of elders with mental health issues. In many cases, these elders are undiagnosed, untreated, and not connected to the mental health system and the supports it offers. We are also seeing an increased number of reports of substance abuse — particularly of alcohol — among elders. Reports of hoarding (which is defined as an excessive accumulation of non-necessary items such as newspapers, clothing, unusable household items, and even garbage) have become more widespread. Hoarding, alcohol abuse, and mental health issues can lead to unsafe, even hazardous living conditions. For example, an elder with a substance abuse problem may repeatedly fall asleep while smoking in bed, while an elder may hoard newspapers and other materials to the extent that they are dangerously close to or even piled on top of a stove, radiator, or furnace. Such behavior may lead to a loss of housing, particularly for elders who rent and are at risk of eviction. In addition to its Protective Services program, Elder Services is fortunate to have Enhanced Elder Intervention, a program unique to Berkshire County, that provides intensive, short-term, solution-focused casework for elders who are at the beginning stages of self-neglect and are in challenging, often dangerous situations. The Enhanced Elder Intervention program provides a “safety net” for fragile Berkshire elders, who do not fall under any other existing program’s scope of services, and who are often reluctant to accept the help they need to remain independent.
If you think you know someone who may be a victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation by another, or who is self-neglecting, please call Elder Services. Your call will be confidential and you do not need to give your name. We’re here to help.
Robert P. Dean is Executive Director of Elder Services of Berkshire County.
