Everything you should know about elder abuse

Welcome to our Wednesday Health Chat. Today’s topic is elder abuse.

Joining us today are Gloria Dixon and Shervonne Banks of Adult Protective Services in Newport News. Ask your questions now.

Last year there were more than 17,000 complaints made in Virginia with regard to elder abuse, which can take many forms.

Do you want to know what constitutes elder abuse?

Wonder what to do if you suspect it?

Good afternoon! My name is Shervonne Banks, Senior Citizen Advocate for the City of Newport News and I’m looking forward to answering your questions on Elderly Abuse or any associated topics.

Welcome to our experts. Send in your questions now.

Readers: Welcome to our chat on elder abuse. We have experts from NEwport News social services to answer your questions.

Good afternoon! My name is Gloria Dixon, Adult Services Supervisor with the Newport News Department Human Services. I’m looking forward to answering your questions on Elderly Abuse or any associated topics.

Do you have an answer for the person concerned about bruising while in a psych hospital?

Alzheimer question – Thank you for your questions. Your recourses are as follows: Contact the APS Hotline at your local department of Human Services and Hospital Administration. It is important that you describe the incident in detail. Virginia’s APS Hotline is 1-888-832-3858 and Newport News Hotline is 757-926-6329. Again, thank you!

APS is Adult Protective Services. Can you tell readers what happens after you make a complaint? What can you expect to happen?

That is great question Prue. APS complaints are investigated within 24 hours of reporting. The investigation is a 45 day process.

I think I read in Virginia at least (in answer to NN-Hpt resident) that about 10 times as many child abuse complaints are lodged as for seniors…. but then you have to consider that children are coming in contact with schools etc. so there are more opportunities for observation. Experts?

Thank you for questions NN_Hpt Resident. Adult Abuse is very prevalent but often goes unreported.

What goes on during the 45-day investigation? What is in place to protect victims during that time?

Prue – During a 45 day investigation, a worker initiates face to face contacts with client. Safety is the leading factor during an investigation. If neccessary, the client is removed and placed in a safe environment.

Where might a senior be placed for their safety? WIth a relative or in an institution?

Guest – Include APS in your contacts.

Prue – It really depends on the situation but those are good options.

But Social Services has the authority to move someone? Or does it have to go through the courts?

Who should Guest address his concerns to? To Social Services? Adult Protective Services? Which is the most appropriate route?

Prue – Social Services has the authority to move someone if the individual is competent and they agree to move. The court system is used for incompetent individuals.

Great question from Rita.

Guest – You should definitely follow up with Adult Protective Services and the Virginia Department of Health.

Readers: Today’s “health” topic is elder abuse — how to recognize it, what you can do if you suspect it, and what it is. We have experts from Adult Protective Services in Newport News who can answer your questions.

Rita – There is a such thing called Adult Foster Care; however, it is not available in all localities.

Is it available locally do you know? Is it state-financed? How would Rita find out about its availability?

Rita – Newport News does not have the Adult Foster Care Program. The following cities do: Hampton, Portsmouth, and Norfolk. You should contact each individual locality for availability and costs.

I’ve heard that overmedication is a big problem. Where can you start with this?

Guest – Please contact the Administrator and discuss the issue. If you are authorized to reveiw his medical record, please do so. I would also contact the local Department of Human Services – Adult Protective Services Unit. If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation, contact APS.

Readers: we are here until 1 p.m. with two experts on elder abuse — it’s more prevalent than you think. They can answer your questions about how to recognize it and what to do if you suspect elder abuse.

Mary – Abuse can appear in many ways. Here are some ways of identifying abuse: forced isolation, lack of affection or care for an adult, bruises, conflicting stories about accounts or details, prevention of adults speaking to others, inappropriate sexual relationship or language, and etc. I encourage you to visit http://www.dss.virginia.gov for more information on this topic.

Guest – Self-neglect is the biggest form of abuse.

Can you explain what self-neglect is — and what can be done about it.

Guest – I encourage anyone who suspects abuse to contact Adult Protective Services in the locality where the family members lives.

Prue – Examples of self-neglect could be a lack of personal care, inadequate nutrition, wandering, choosing to purchase misc. items over food or medication, etc. Please visit http://www.dss.virginia.gov for more information. You could also contact your local APS.

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If someone is not taking care of themselves — self-neglect — what can Social Services do about that?

Prue – Adult Services can initiate an investigation on this issue. They can also build a rapport with the individual and recommend services that may meet their needs.

In regard to the over-medication problem, you answered “If you have access to their medical records” — who typically would have this access — and if you don’t, how would you be able to get access?

Can you tell me some of the services that might be available to the self-neglect person?

Pure- Do to HIPPA laws, medical records are considered confidential unless permission is given to an individual. Confidentiality is crucial!

Does that permission to access records have to be in writing? Do family members automatically have access? Or no one?

Prue- Depending on the individual’s needs, companion services, Assisted Living, nursing home, home health, physical therapy, Meals on Wheels, etc.

Guest – Family interaction and medical intervention is important for individuals needing protective services. Exploitation comes in various forms such as financial, sexual, etc.

Prue- Medical facilities have approved forms that require signature in order to obtain access to medical records even for family members. Again, privacy is very important.

What if seniors can’t afford these services — or say they don’t want them. What can you do then?

Prue – If an individual declines services, we have to respect their decison. An adult has the autonomy to make their own decisions. If seniors are unable to afford services, they will need to contact the Eligibility Department of Human Services for assistance.

Readers: We are talking to Gloria Dixon and Shervonne Banks from Adult Protective Services in Newport News. They can answer your questions about elder abuse — last year more than 17,000 complaints were made statewide – and more than 60 percent were “founded” – that is it was found that abuse had occurred.

What if you think someone isn’t capable of making their own decisions — what happens then?

Do most of the cases have a dementia/Alzheimer’s component?

Prue – The individual would have to be medically and pyschologically accessed in order to make a determination of competency. If you would need assistance with this matter, contact the Physican or Adult Protective Services to initiate the process.

Prue – Most of our cases are not Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Most individuals would simply like to keep their independence,even when they are at-risk.

That’s interesting. Thanks for the information.

Mary-Beth – Financial abuse is a great concern! Signs of financial exploitation are as follows: missing checks, isolation, unaccounted money, several changes in Power of Attorney’s, and etc. Financial exploitation could result as of an individual’s trust for another. For more information contact your local APS or visit http://www.dss.virginia.gov.

Readers: We’re here until 1 p.m. EST to answer your questions on elder abuse. As the population ages it’s a growing problem — also with families living far apart and people living longer

Are there any guardianship/power of attorney solutions that you recommend? Or are those the people who typically abuse seniors?

You’ve answered lots of questions about how to deal with abuse when it happens — what are your suggestions for preventing it? Are there advance measures that people can take while they’re relatively young and in good health?

Prue – We do not want to indicate that people with Power of Attorney’s or Guardianships are the abusers. Guardianship petitions are granted through the courts and monitored through the courts. Power of Attorney’s are not regulated as stringently. For verification, check with an Elder Law Attorney.

NN_Hpt Resident – The Department of Human Services is made up of multiple areas. Adult Protective Services is only one unit. Social workers in Adult Protective Services specifically handle Adult Protective Services complaints.

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Prue – There are several things that you can do to prevent abuse. We suggest you research the many areas of elder abuse and participate in forums such as this. We encourage you to be aware of seniors and individuals with disabilities in your community.

When you call APS to make a complaint can you remain anonymous or do you have to give your name? IF you don’t give your name do they take the complaint seriously.

Guest – In the event an individual is not incapacitated, the abuse individiual will have to pursue legal action. If the individual is incapacitated, Human Services will intervene.

Frank – Contact your local authorities and the Home Health Agency.

Guest – Reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation are called in from multiple sources. Reporters are confidential.

When should you call APS and when should you call the police?

Prue – In the event a nurse is stealing, you can pursue both at the same time. APS can help you initiate the process.

What if you’re not a senior (APS) and not a child (CPS), who can you call in cases of neglect or abuse?

IExperts: In our last couple of minutes, could you repeat the definition of what elder abuse is — and give out any hotline numbers you have. Thanks.

Prue – Adult Protective Services service clients 18 and up and they must be disabled or a senior citizen or incompetent.

And if you don’t fit those categories — say you’re 45 and not disabled — you call the police?

Prue – Any person, including financial institutions, may report suspcted abuse to APS. If you or someone you know is being mistreated, contact your local Department of Human Services or you may call the 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-888-832-3858.

Readers: We’ve been talking to Shervonne Banks and Gloria Dixon of Adult Protective Services in Newport News on the subject of elder abuse.

Prue – Yes. Police are a great first option!

Their message is that there’s help out there from Adult Protective Services, part of the Department of Social Services. They check out charges of abuse and also connect seniors with resources in the community.

Readers: Thanks for joining us. For a transcript of the chat, you can go to www.dailypress.com/health and click on Archived Live Web Chats.

We appreciate your participation and enjoyed answering questions on Elder Abuse today. Remember, May is Older American’s Month and Elder Abuse Prevention Month!

Experts: Thanks for all the great information you provided on the topic of elder abuse. It’s really good to know that there’s help out there.

Thanks Prue!

I’m closing the chat now. Thanks. Bye — and look out for your elderly family members, neighbors and friends.