Training+Module+1

__Training Module 1: What is Elder Abuse?__

**__ Introduction __**: In this training module, you will learn the definition of elder abuse and the different kinds that exist. In order to recognize abuse, it's important to realize that various types of abuse exist so that the abuse can be reported and the person at risk can be helped. It is a volunteer's or driver's responsibility to be on the look out for signs and to help elderly clients become aware of abuse. Unfortunately, many people do not see the elderly population as targets for abuse, or people do not understand that there are more kinds of abuse than just physical. Signs of abuse will not always be obvious either. After this training module, volunteers and drivers should see that abuse comes in many forms.

**__ Definition __**: Elder Abuse is any knowledge, intent, or negligent act that causes harm or serious risk of harm to a vulnerable person. As elders become more physically weak they are more susceptible to abuse. Listen to the following audio clip to learn more about the definition of elder abuse:

Audio Clip __**: Many people are not aware that elder abuse is common, or may think that it only involves physical abuse. Some may even think that it only happens in nursing homes. There are many misconceptions about elderly abuse. Please listen to a short audio clip on Common Misconceptions of Elderly Abuse to learn about these issues.
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**__ Types of Elder Abuse: __** It's important for volunteers and drivers to understand that abuse has many faces:

§ **__Physical __** Use of force to threaten or inflict physical pain or injury. Usually this involves physical contact intended to intimidate, cause pain to, or cause suffering to the victim.

§ **__Emotional __** Verbal attacks, threats, purposeful isolation or rejection to cause mental distress

§ <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sexual __** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">§ <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Exploitation __** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Theft, fraud, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">§ <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Neglect __** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Refusal or failure by those responsible to provide for an elder’s physical, emotional, or safety needs including: food, shelter, health care or protection. **__Abandoment__** is a subcategory of Neglect. This is the d<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">esertion of an elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">§ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Self Neglect __**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Self neglect accounts for the majority of cases reported to adult protective services. Oftentimes, the problem is paired with declining health, isolation, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, or drug and alcohol dependency. Common warning signs of self neglect are:

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hoarding · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Failure to take essential medication · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Refusal to see medical treatment · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Leaving a burning stove unattended · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Poor hygiene · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Not wearing suitable clothing for the weather · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Confusion · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Inability to attend to housekeeping · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dehydration <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Social isolation and mental impairment, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s are factors that my make an older person more vulnerable to abuse. In some situations however living with someone else may also increase the chances for abuse to occur. A history of domestic violence may also make a senior more susceptible to abuse.
 * __<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">What makes an elder vulnerable to abuse? __**

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 15.4pt; line-height: 115%;">**__ Facts __**: <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 15.4pt; line-height: 115%;">Did you know that (according to the National Elder Abuse Incidence Study, 1996) 500,000 Americans aged 60 and over were victims of domestic abuse? Astonishingly, only 16% of those situations were referred for help. That means 84%, or 420,000 situations remained hidden! The Senate Special Committee on Aging estimates that there may be as many as FIVE MILLION victims every year, with reports increasing every year.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">View the following video on respect and the elderly. Although based in New Zealand, it emphasizes the importance in educating people on the topic of elderly abuse.

media type="youtube" key="CtZ_87OCSa0" height="385" width="480"

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 133.1%;">**__Summary__** : Elder abuse is, unfortunately, too common. What is more shocking is that many instances of abuse go unreported simply because people can not recognize or do not believe it can happen to them. Because the elderly often live alone, their regular human contacts include Mobile Meals, Inc. staff. This is why it is vital that volunteers and drivers be able to recognize the types of abuse. When volunteers and drivers have face to face contact with elderly clients, it is their responsibility to use these opportunities to teach the elderly about abuse. It could save lives! home Training Module 2 Training Module 3 Resources Assessment