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A safety net for unsafe seniors: Protective services update
By Robert P. Dean
The Protective Services program at Elder Services provides assistance to Berkshire seniors who are victims of abuse or financial exploitation by another, or of self-neglect. Elder Abuse is defined as “an act or omission which results in serious physical or emotional injury to an elder”. These acts or omissions may include physical abuse, emotional abuse, abandonment or neglect, financial exploitation or transfer of assets under duress. Protective Services staff work with the senior to identify the type of abuse and take steps to stop it. Typically, the abuser is someone the victim knows. In some situations, perhaps involving a caregiver under duress, further abuse or neglect can sometimes be prevented by setting up in-home services such as personal care and homemaking. In certain cases involving financial exploitation, Elder Services’ Money Management program may be able to help. Other situations may be much more complex.
A year ago, I wrote that statistics released by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs had indicated that the number of reports of elder abuse had increased by almost 15% from 2004 to 2005, and that Elder Affairs was projecting an additional 15% increase in 2006. That prediction has proven to be accurate, if slightly conservative. Statistics released by Elder Affairs for the state fiscal year indicate that the number of statewide reports of abuse by another or of self-neglect grew by 16.9% this past year. There were 11,503 reports between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005, and 13,448 between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006.
A variety of factors have contributed to this significant increase over the last two years. Although some of this information was originally shared a year ago, it is worth repeating. 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, Council on Aging directors and outreach workers, medical professionals, and fire, police, and other emergency responders) are now required by law to report cases of elder self-neglect and not just cases of abuse by another. Cases of self-neglect which had previously been unreported or under-reported, are now being reported in much greater numbers than ever before. Mental health and substance abuse issues among an elder’s family members, particularly caregivers, also contribute to increased reports of elder abuse and financial exploitation. While the increased number of reports certainly reflects an actual rise in elder abuse and self-neglect, it may also be partially indicative of a heightened community awareness of Protective Services programs for seniors. (Protective Services programs for seniors are provided by Elder Services of Berkshire County and by twenty-one other Aging Services Access Points throughout Massachusetts).
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 seniors. 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. An elder with a substance abuse problem may repeatedly fall asleep while smoking in bed, while an elder with hoarding issues may accumulate newspapers and other materials to such an 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 conjunction with its Protective Services program, Elder Services offers 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 know a senior who may be a victim of abuse or financial exploitation by another, or who is self-neglecting, please contact Elder Services. Your call will be confidential, you do not need to give your name, and we may be able to help.