Page 18 - Boca Club News - March '24

Page 18, Boca Club News

Medical Matters from page 16 bills and utilities being turned off are ignored. Fraudulent There is help that can prevent elder abuse. Educate
signatures on financial documents, unusual changes in seniors and professional caregivers and the public on
in any relationship with the expectation of trust which normal spending patterns and changes in wills and other abuse. Seniors must take care of their health, seek
instead causes harm or distress. It is a violation of financial documents are typical. In addition, there is a professional help for drug, alcohol abuse and depression
human rights with physical injury, premature mortality, rampant pattern of missing belongings, such as jewelry, with the family involved, attend support groups for
depression, cognitive impairment, sexual molestation various devices and other items, perpetrated often by spouses and learn about domestic and violence services.
and psychological, emotional, financial and material nursing home staff personnel. It is very important to plan for one’s own future with
components, including abandonment and neglect resulting Sexual abuse is another serious form of elder abuse power of attorney, have an up-to-date living will and
in a serious loss of dignity and respect. perpetrated by staff, other health care facility residents and seek independent advice from someone trusted before
The incidence of abuse is highest in nursing homes home care aides. Clues that sexual abuse is present include signing any documents. One should remain active in the
and other long-care facilities, with all reporting increases bleeding or pain from the anus or genital area, bruises community and connected with friends and family in order
during and since the COVID 19 pandemic. There is an there or on the inner thighs, panic attacks, pain walking to avoid social isolation. It is important to always post
estimated annual loss of 36 billion dollars for the abused or sitting, social and emotional withdrawal, torn bloody or and open one’s own mail, give no personal information
and their families, and a threat to the lives of these stained underwear, pelvic injury and even suicide attempts. over the phone, direct-deposit all checks and have one’s
vulnerable seniors. Sadly, over 60% of these cases involve In sum, there are a variety of serious risk factors own phone.
abuse by adult children or a spouse. involved with elder abuse: Functional dependence, If a loved one appears to be in imminent danger the best
The doctor-patient relationship established over the physical disability, poor health, cognitive impairment, option is to call 911. Otherwise, call the adult protective
years has precipitously declined as doctors no longer low income, mental illness, substance abuse and service office or a long-term care ombudsman, or even the
care for their long-served patients once they have been dependency, family financial conditions, ageism, the police. Most states have penalties for those who victimize
placed in a nursing home. Previously, the doctor would current normalization of violence, sexual abuse, lack of older adults. They are trained in elder abuse and use
visit the patient monthly and was able to recognize abuse social support and living alone. criminal and civil laws to bring abusers to justice.
and effectively deal with it accordingly.
The most common form of elder abuse is neglect,
with the caregivers’ failures to provide life’s necessities. WHAT ARE YOUR
Manifestations include bed sores, poor hygiene, failure to
provide proper hydration and nutrition, unclean clothing, MEDICARE OPTIONS?
weight loss, unattended medical needs, dislocated joints,
sprains, loss of teeth, sudden unexplained hair loss and I will help you find a health plan that
self-treated injuries. Other important signs are a pattern of best fits your needs at no cost to you.
repeated hospitalizations for the same or a similar injury, • Medicare Supplements
delayed medical care for any injury, visible discomfort— • Medicare Advantage Plans
even fear—exhibited toward a caregiver, trips to different • Individual Health Insurance
ERs to avoid suspicion, and withdrawal from usual • Medicare Part D Drug Plans
activities and socialization. Belittling, verbal and physical • Dental, Vision, & Cancer Plans
threats, the use of power and control are common.
In addition, there is a serious problem with self-neglect
as many of these elders struggle with letting go of their
independence or admit that they are unable to care for Beth S. Sigel
themselves. They have significant weight loss due to
insufficient food for proper nutrition and are dehydrated. Boca Pointe Resident
They wear unclean clothing or dress inappropriately, (954) 261-4648
sleep poorly, exhibit poor hygiene, have unpaid bills beth@reliablemedicaresolutions.com
and untreated infections or injuries. Concerned family www.reliablemedicaresolutions.com
members should recognize these features and take
appropriate action before it is too late. “We do not offer every plan in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area.
Please contact 1-800-Medicare or Medicare.gov to get information on all your options.”
There is willful deprivation, exposing institutionalized
elders to the risk of physical, mental and emotional harm.
Physical abuse is very common and even involves inflicting
pain or injury. Body bruises, cuts, pressure marks, broken
bones, abrasions and burns should be looked for on the
patient’s body by loved ones as they may be deliberately
hidden by clothing or bedding. Withholding food and
fluids with weight loss and dehydration, missing daily
living aids, unsanitary living conditions and unattended
medical needs occur, which can be life threatening.
Emotional abuse is a devastating problem manifested
by unexplained withdrawal from normal activities,
insults, isolation, terrorizing, humiliation, intimidation,
harassment, name calling, threats, confinement, isolation
and denial of access to resources—all of which can
result in a variety of serious consequences. Depression,
unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, changes in
behavior and sleep patterns, strained or tense relationships,
frequent arguments with a caregiver, fear and anxiety,
attempts at hurting others, avoiding eye contact, difficulty
eating and sleeping, isolation from friends and family, low
self-esteem and mood swings are common consequences
of emotional abuse.
Financial abuse is extremely costly, resulting in an
average of three billion dollars in losses annually. This
form of abuse involves the illegal, unauthorized, improper
use of an elder’s resources by someone in a trusted
relationship. The elder usually doesn’t understand his or
her financial situation.
In such situations there is unusual interest by
individuals (usually family) in what the elder is spending.
ATM withdrawals are made which the elder could not have
made. There are cancelled checks and bank statements that
go to the perpetrators, home and eviction notices, unpaid

Happy Easter!