By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
People gathered around the flagpole at the Wood County Senior Center on Friday morning to pledge allegiance to the American flag and pledge to keep an eye out for elder abuse and neglect in their communities.
Last year, 315 reports of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation were investigated by Wood County Adult Protective Services. Every year the numbers continue to climb slowly, said APS Director Maureen Veit.
And those are only the cases that get reported.
Bowling Green Mayor Mike Aspacher read proclamations recognizing Flag Day and Elder Abuse Awareness Month. He thanked those brave enough to have stepped forward to report elder abuse and neglect – and those working to make sure seniors live with the dignity they deserve.
“We must commit to creating a safe community for our residents,” Aspacher said.
Dr. Nancy Orel, a member of the Wood County Committee on Aging and founder of the Optimal Aging Institute at BGSU, reinforced the need for people to watch out for each other.
“Each and every one of us can do something to prevent elder abuse,” Orel said.
One out of every 10 seniors over age 65 experience some type of abuse every year,” she said, adding, “only one out of 14 cases are actually reported.”
Orel listed the seven types of elder abuse as physical, sexual, financial, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment and emotional-psychological (which can be difficult to prove).
There are warning signs that family, friends, neighbors and others can be on the watch for:
- Dramatic changes in activities, such as not enjoying usual activities or not wanting to leave home.
- Cluttered home or unkept personal appearance.
- Drastic change in diet – eating too much, eating too little, eating the wrong foods.
- Frequently taking money out of the bank, and talking about not having money.
- Depression.
Advocates for seniors can also be on the lookout for caregivers who deny that an older adult is facing obvious difficulties. Seniors suffering from cognitive decline should be tested and diagnosed, Orel said.
“We’re negligent if we don’t recognize that and get them assistance,” he said.
Orel also pointed out that women are more likely to experience elder abuse or neglect – not only because women often live longer, but they sometimes tend to be more dependent on others.
“Keep your eyes open. Keep your ears open,” she said.
Reports of elder abuse are expected to continue to rise as the population of those 60 years of age and over continues to grow. Risk of abuse can be mitigated by making certain financial, medical, and legal affairs are in order, also by checking in with those at-risk elders.
If you suspect abuse of an older adult, call Wood County’s Adult Protective Services hotline at 419-354-9669 to make a report. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
