City of Santa Clara issued the following announcement on Dec. 17
Elder abuse refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.
Social isolation is one of the greatest risk factors for elder abuse and the pandemic is a breeding ground for social isolation. Other risk factors include cognitive impairment, physical frailty and dependence on "trusted others" for care.
Laws and definitions of terms vary from state to state, but in broad terns can be defined as follows:
- Physical Abuse—inflicting physical pain or injury on a senior, e.g. slapping, bruising, or restraining by physical or chemical means
- Sexual Abuse—non-consensual sexual contact of any kind
- Neglect—the failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care, or protection for a vulnerable elder
- Exploitation / Financial Abuse—the illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a senior for someone else's benefit
- Emotional Abuse—inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts (e.g. humiliating, intimidating, or threatening)
- Abandonment—desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person
- Self-neglect—characterized as the failure of a person to perform essential, self-care tasks and that such failure threatens his/her own health or safety
The Santa Clara Police Department promotes a safe and independent lifestyle for seniors and refers individuals to local resources based on need. If you are aware of an older adult that may be a victim of elder abuse, take action. Reporting parties should call 9-1-1 for life threatening situations in progress. Non-life threatening situations can be reported by calling the County of Santa Clara Department of Aging and Adult Services at 408-975-4900, or 24-Hour Report Line 800-414-2002. Adult Protective Services can investigate allegations, assess a client’s situation and provide services via a social worker.
Original source can be found here.
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