Information from the County Attorney's Office
By Steven J. Franzen, Campbell County Attorney
As our loved ones age, they require greater care, understanding and compassion from family and friends. The elderly often become frail, and are more dependent on their primary caregivers, be it a spouse, a child or a trained employee of a care-giving institution. Unfortunately, they all too often are susceptible to abuse by those very caregivers.
As our population continues to grow older and older, the incidence of elder abuse will rise. In 2015, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services received 30,037calls for elderly abuse and neglect with over 12,618 meeting the acceptance criteria for investigation under Kentucky Revised Statute. Some experts’ estimate that only one out of 14 domestic elder abuse incidents (excluding self-neglect) comes to the attention of authorities. Elderly abuse can take on many faces: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation
Laws concerning the abuse or neglect of older people vary from state to state. Kentucky categorizes negligence under domestic violence in its Kentucky Adult Protection Statute, and often the penalty is determined by the state criminal codes. The statute also stresses that anyone (physician, law officer, friend) suspecting neglect of an elderly person is required to report this belief to the community Department of Social Services; then the department will assign a social worker to investigate the situation and make an assessment based on the worker’s observations.
The signs of elder abuse can manifest themselves in several ways. Some indications include extreme withdrawal, dehydration, untreated bed sores, poor personal hygiene, unclean living quarters, or bruises and cuts. Many times this abuse goes unnoticed due to “family secrets” or because outsiders aren’t looking to spot these symptoms.
The County Attorney’s Office has in the past and I am sure will in the future prosecute cases involving elder abuse. However, our senior citizens cannot be protected through the judicial system if cases of abuse are never reported. If you suspect someone you know to be a victim of elder abuse, you are required by Kentucky Revised Statute to report it. You can report abuse at the 24 hour toll free hotlines at either 1-877-597-2331 or 1-800-752-6200. I would also note that calls can be made anonymously.
Caring for an aging loved one is difficult for everyone involved. The burden can be heavy, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are more and more resources available, such as adult day care centers, nursing homes, in-home care and support groups. Before your burden starts to take a toll on the type of care you give your loved one, please seek help.
I hope this information is interesting and helpful. If you have any topics you would like to have covered in this column, please contact my office by e-mail at countyattorney@campbellcountyky.org, by phone at 491-7700 or by regular mail addressed to 319 York Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071.