Dependent Adult & Elder Abuse(W&I 15610(b))

Abuse of an elder or a dependent adult means physical abuse, neglect, intimidation, cruel punishment, fiduciary abuse, abandonment, or other treatment with resulting physical harm or pain or mental suffering, or the deprivation by a care custodian of goods and services which are necessary to avoid physical harm or mental suffering.

Elder Dependent Adult

Any person residing in this state, 65 years of age or older

Anyone residing in this state, 18-64, with physical or mental limitations restricting ability for normal activities or protection of own rights, includes persons with physical or developmental disabilities.

Our Community is Aging

Between 1989 and 2030 population of 65+ will double

In 1985 only 14% of the elderly were persons of color. In 2020 the proportion will increase to 21%

In 2006 the first wave of Baby Boomers turn 65

Women outlive men

What Does Being “Old” Mean?

PC 368 defines elder as someone 65+

Because of medical and nutritional advances, “old old”, or 85+ is the fastest growing segment of society

How Are Abilities Affected?

Eye sight deteriorates Many need bifocals by

age 50 Depth & distance

perception deteriorates

Cognition slows a bit Major deficit is speed,

not comprehension or ability

Reaction time slowsHearing impairment

can occurTouch and pain not as

acute

Aging’s effect on the body

All senses decline in sensitivity, which impact behavior loss of visual acuity can create self-doubt and

confusion; as well as wariness loss of hearing makes one paranoid and

suspicious we bruise easier and heal more slowly

Aging and Cognitive Skills

Alzheimer’s, Huntingtons Chorea, other dementing illnesses create personality changes over time they are not part of the normal aging process

Elders with any cognitive impairment tend to under-report/minimize abuse unless they’ve been examined and found to be

incompetent, listen to them

Dementia

Deterioration of intellectual functioning

not a part of normal aging process

progressive • memory lapses

• confusion

• verbal impairments

• loss of bladder/bowel control

Many causes Alzheimer’s (most

common) Parkinson’s Huntington’s Chorea Syphilis Alcoholism Stroke

• major and minor

Memory loss

65 - 6970 - 7475-7980 - 8485 - 8990 plus

3 % loss5 % loss10 % loss15 % loss22 % loss41 % loss

There’s More ?

Dehydration happens more frequently and can cause confusing behavior

Stroke or cervovascular accidents (CVA) - can impair motor, speech, thinking processes

Skin ulcers (bed sores, decubiti) can indicate neglect (by self or others)

DepressionCan look like dementiaCan be result of loss of

abilitiesLoss of loved oneLoss of power

(unsatisfied retirement)Can result in dangerous

self-neglect

Capacity

An elder has capacity when their mind functions well enough to hold them responsible their mind functions too well to deprive them of

their civil liberties

Incapacity needing protection from exploitation of others

REMEMBER, ELDERS WANT:

RespectHonorNot to be seen as a

special vulnerable class (sitting ducks)