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CITYVIEWMAG.COM JULY AUGUST 2015
Elder Abuse
As the many VA scandals show, elder abuse—any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other per- son that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult—is common and can go on for years without detection, including in publicly managed facilities. According to the Administration on Aging, elder abuse can take several forms:
• Physical: Inflicting physical pain or injury on a senior such as by slapping or bruising, or restraining a senior through physical or chemical means.
• Sexual: Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.
• Neglect: Failing to provide food, shelter, health care, or pro-
tection for a vulnerable elder.
• Exploitation: Illegally taking, misusing, or concealing funds,
property, or assets of a senior for someone else’s benefit.
• Emotional: Inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on the
elderly verbally or by otherwise humiliating, intimidating, or
threatening them.
• Abandonment: Deserting a vulnerable elder after assuming
the responsibility for care or custody of that person.
• Self-neglect: Failing to perform essential, self-care tasks such
that the failure threatens a person’s own health or safety.
Because of America’s growing senior population, the problem of elder abuse is becoming more and more preva- lent. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) estimates that between 7.6 and 10 percent of seniors aged 60 and over experience some form of abuse each year, with the likelihood of abuse increasing as a person ages. Given that more than 40 million Americans are in this demographic, the statistical implication is in excess of 4 million seniors in the United States may suffer abuse annually. By 2050, estimates are that 19 million Americans will be over age 85 and therefore par- ticularly vulnerable to neglect without any steps being taken toward its prevention. Even a modest level of abuse triples a senior’s annual risk of death, according to the center.
Last year, Knox County’s new district attorney, Charme Allen, included establishing a special unit to investigate
elder abuse as a promise in her campaign for the office. Once elected, she made good on that promise, appointing Andrea Kline Elder Abuse Special Unit Prosecutor. Kline warns of what she calls the “Silver Tsunami” that is coming as the segment of Americans especially vulnerable to elder abuse and neglect increases: By 2050, NCEA estimates are that 19 million Americans will be over age 85.
The state convened a task force on aging just last year, and “Knoxville is leading the way toward reform,” says Kline, who has reviewed more than 500 referrals since her appointment in September. “But it’s a huge undertaking, as there is not enough protection statewide. We have antiquated laws.”
Previously, Assistant District Attorney General James “Del” Holley had been the contact person for elder abuse cases. “My role was to be a point person, but we didn’t officially have an elder abuse unit,” says Holley. None- theless, in May, Holley received the John J. Duncan Sr., Award for Senior Advocacy for “going above and beyond to help advocate for the needs of senior citizens.”
Holley says that in his 20 years of working these cases, he has always been struck by how under-reported they are: “What we see barely scratches the surface, and that hasn’t changed over the years even with all the aware- ness we’ve tried to raise in the community.” According to Holley, only one in 17 physical abuse cases and one
in 25 financial abuse cases ever comes to the attention
of authorities. “There’s a lot of embarrassment when a senior has been scammed out of $50,000 by a telemarket- ing scheme,” says Holley.
Kline estimates that 60 to 80 percent of cases she sees include financial abuse and adds, “You also fear losing the one person taking care of you. Many feel that being stolen from at home is better than going to a nursing home.” Nevertheless, according to Holley the law regarding
the reporting of elder abuse is the same as for minors: failure to report suspected or known abuse is a misde- meanor in Tennessee. “Whether you want to or not,” says Holley, “you have a legal obligation.”
The Knox County District Attorney’s Office gives these recommendations should you suspect elder abuse:
• To report a crime or emergency that is happen- ing now, call law enforcement by dialing 911.
• To report elder abuse occurring in Knox- ville or Knox County, call Adult Protec- tive Services (APS) at 865-594-5685.
• To report elder abuse occurring elsewhere in Tennessee, call the Tennessee Elder Abuse Hotline at 888-APS-TENN (888-277-8366).
• For information on how to prevent elder abuse, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web site for the National Center on Elder Abuse Administration on Aging (ncea.aoa.gov).
• For general referrals and additional information, call the Senior Services Directory, 865-546-6262.
Physical signs of abuse are often easy to spot, but some of the other indications include unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, depression, changes in financial situation, and strained or tense relationships between the caregiver and the elderly recipient.