6 Elderly Abandonment Issues You May Not Know

There are several types of abuse against older people, but did you know that there are many elderly abandonment issues you may have never known about? Furthermore, not only is abandonment or neglect a form of abuse, but a person can be prosecuted for elderly abandonment, which can have serious legal consequences.

Most people with elderly family members or caregivers do not even realize when they are subjecting an elderly person to this form of abuse. This article will help break down physical and emotional elderly abandonment, legal consequences, signs of abuse in an elderly person, and how you can help end this scourge.

Actions That Cause Elderly Abandonment Issues

Elder abandonment, also referred to as senior abandonment or older adult abandonment, occurs when a person who has assumed responsibility for providing care to an elderly individual does not do so. Older adult abandonment is categorized as such when there is any purposeful and permanent desertion of a vulnerable adult over sixty-five.

Several laws have recently been passed to protect senior citizens from abuse, which can include:

• Financial exploitation
• Undue influence
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Physical neglect
• Emotional abuse
• Emotional abandonment

Elder abandonment can lead to criminal charges, which may include misdemeanors or felonies. Penalties can range from fines to imprisonment. In some states, neglect of an elderly person in one’s care can be a second-degree felony, punishable by up to fifteen years in prison, fifteen years’ probation, or fines up to $10,000.

Abandonment in the elderly can be a deeply distressing experience, often leading to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. It is important for more people around an elderly person to be aware of how to know when they are being abused.

Signs of Abandonment in the Elderly

• An older adult who is alone and appears confused, lost, or frightened.
• An elderly person who looks malnourished or suffering from dehydration or poor hygiene.
• An elderly person who shows increased levels of sadness, hopelessness, or worry.
• An elderly person who suddenly has no access to their funds or usual standard of living
• A healthy older adult who suddenly goes into withdrawal with a marked reduced interest in social activities or interactions.
• An elderly person who suddenly has a fear of or difficulty trusting others, often stemming from past experiences of neglect or abandonment.

Many things trigger elderly abandonment issues. Understanding and addressing abandonment in the elderly is crucial for their overall well-being. Supporting an elderly person who feels abandoned can make a significant difference in their lives.

You can help an elderly person feel more connected, valued, and supported in some simple ways.

Ways of Supporting an Older Person with Abandonment Issues

Make regular visits and communication Try to spend quality time with them regularly, either physically or with phone or video calls, to help them feel connected. Your presence can provide much-needed comfort and reassurance.

Assist with social interaction Encourage them to participate in local community events or senior centers where they can indulge in hobbies and interests, they enjoy, which can also be a way to meet new people.

Provide emotional support Actively listening to their concerns and feelings without judgment. Sometimes, just being heard can alleviate feelings of abandonment and remind them of their value and importance.

Provide practical assistance Help them with daily tasks or arrange for assistance if needed. This can reduce stress and feelings of helplessness.

Go to regular medical appointments Accompany them to medical appointments to ensure they feel supported and understood.

Create a safe and comfortable environment Ensure their living environment is safe, secure, and comfortable. This can include making necessary modifications to their home.

If you or an elderly person you know may be the victim of older adult abandonment and you fear for your or their safety, you can report it to your state’s Adult Protective Services (APS), your long-term care ombudsperson, or the police to investigate.

You can also encourage an older adult suffering from abandonment issues to seek the help of a counselor to ensure they receive the necessary support and protection.

Call the numbers on this website today and find someone who can help with more information and support.