Just as all other people maintain basic rights, elderly individuals also have fundamental rights. Subjecting an elder to abuse or neglect is a violation of these rights. Therefore, it is essential that effective methods of elder abuse prevention be developed. Preventing elder abuse is necessary to ensure that elderly individuals are treated with the respect and the dignity that they deserve.
In order to establish successful elder abuse prevention techniques, it is important for the public to to acknowledge the prevalence of this injurious behavior. The key to preventing elder abuse is to know elder law, increase public knowledge and gain public support. If individuals are unaware of the frequency of elder maltreatment, then they will not expect to witness it, or may witness it and not know it
Increasing knowledge of the risk factors and warning signs associated with this behavior will assist individuals with preventing elder abuse. If people are aware of how to recognize this form of maltreatment, they will be able to effectively complete the step to report elder abuse. Circulating information regarding the proper authorities to contact in to report elder mistreatment would undoubtedly improve elder abuse prevention efforts.
The National Committee on the Prevention of Elder Abuse is a non profit organization focused on improving elder abuse prevention techniques and eradicating all forms of cruelty against elders.
The Committee employs a variety of techniques in hopes of preventing elder abuse, seeking to advance elder abuse prevention procedures through educational programs, research, and advocacy. In order to improve upon current methods of intervention and prevention, it is essential to conduct research, and compile data and information about this troubling topic.
Understanding what causes this behavior and the risk factors that increase the likelihood of elder abuse, is necessary in order to protect victims from this type of maltreatment. The Committee also seeks to encourage professionals to share information amongst themselves. Taking this a step further, preventing elder abuse is not the only aspect of the protection of seniors that must be addressed and improved.
Indeed, not all cases of elder maltreatment are prevented and in these instances, it is important for there to be effective response protocols in place. Victims of elder abuse often sustain severe physical and psychological damage due to the trauma that they have faced. Therefore, it is important to ensure that cases of suspected abuse are responded to immediately and appropriately. If the proper authorities fail to respond to a case of maltreatment, the abuse may cause extensive emotional and physical harm to the victim or even death.
