Our elder Americans have a basic right to live out their lives with dignity and respect, free from the fear of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. On march 23, 2010 the Elder Justice Act (EJA) was finally signed into law in order to help elderly Americans.

   Being treated justly and fairly is a basic human right. Every year elder abuse leads millions to live in fear. Elder abuse is a growing but under-reported problem. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) defines abuse as any intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult including, financial, physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, verbal abuse, and abandonment.

   Up to 5 million older Americans are aboused every year. Elder abuse robs older adults of independence and dignity. For every 1 case of reported elder abuse at least 5 may go unreported. In almost 90% of elder abuse and neglect incidents with a known perpetrator, the perpetrator is a family member.

   Elder financial abuse is regarded as the third most commonly substantiated type of elder abuse, following neglect and emotional/phsyological abuse.

HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE ELDERLY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• An adequate standard of living, including adequate food, shelter, and clothing.
• Adequate social security, assistance and protection.
• Freedom from discrimination based on age or any other status, in all aspects of life including employment and access to housing, health care and social services.
• The highest possible standard of health.
• Be treated with dignity.
• Full and active participation in all aspects of political economic, social, and cultural life of society.
• Full and effective participation in decision-making concerning their well-being.

   We need to be alert with our elderly friends. We can help prevent abuse by reporting suspected mistreatment, keep in contact, be aware of the possibility of abuse, volunteer, contact your local Area Agency on Aging. Also know the warning signs of abuse.

   To report suspected abuse, either to yourself or another elderly person in the community, contact your local adult protective services agency or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

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