MAC Agency gives tips on ways to spot Elder Abuse

World Elder Abuse Awareness

MARYLAND – June marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Month and the purpose is to shed light on the abuse and neglect that elderly and vulnerable adults face.

Cheryl Senkbeil is the Ombudsman and Local Program Coordinator for the MAC Aging Center. She says that 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 experience some form of elder abuse and that it can come in many forms that include physical, financial, verbal, and mental aspects. Elder abuse can happen when someone is at a facility, in a nurse’s care, or even unfortunately, sometimes it comes from overworked family members who can be neglectful, which is another form of abuse.

Financial Abuse is easier to recognize due to money missing or changing power of attorney, but it may be harder to spot abuse in Elders who are non-verbal, and some are more at risk. “There might be unexplained bruises, pain, all of a sudden having a lot of falls. Could be a change in their routine or schedule, maybe they’re not sleeping well, not eating well, there could be emotional signs like I’m fearful… Women are at a higher risk than men. Again, when you’re older– someone who’s 85 is more at risk than someone who’s 65. I think people with dementia, people that have, you know, don’t know what’s going on.”

An informational presentation will be given to participants at the Willards Senior Center program on June 17, 2024. If you witness suspect elder abuse, call your local law enforcement agency, or contact Cheryl Senkbeil at 410-742-0505 ext. 104 to report.