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OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- In fiscal year 2002 the state’s Adult Protective Services received 3,433 referrals alleging physical abuse of elderly and disabled Oklahomans.
That number includes sexual and psychological abuse as well as caretaker neglect. But according to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, a Washington, D.C.-based research, education and prevention organization, it’s estimated that nationally, for every case that is reported, there are five that go unreported.
“If you apply this to Oklahoma, it translates to around 14,000 unreported cases of adult abuse last fiscal year alone,” said Barbara Kidder, Adult Protective Services Director, Oklahoma Department of Human Services. “If that number is correct, we’re looking at a problem that is equivalent to child abuse in the number of victims.”
The majority of physical abuse comes at the hands of caretakers and accounts for 23 percent of all abuse referrals. Signs of physical abuse include broken bones, burns from cigarettes or hot water, malnutrition or dehydration, bruises, visible pain from internal injuries and loss of hair or teeth.
There are also behavioral signs that could signal physical abuse, such as implausible explanations for injuries, suspicious hospitalizations, victims being taken to different medical facilities for each injury and a long delay between the time of an injury and when medical care is sought.
“A lot of caretaker mistreatment is due to neglect,” said Kidder. “The people they are supposed to be caring for are simply ignored and left alone without food or medication. They often develop bed sores and the equipment they rely on, such as oxygen or feeding tubes, go unchecked.”
Tragically, caregivers and family members are usually the main perpetrators of psychological abuse as well. Signs of psychological abuse include significant weight loss, stress-related conditions such as high blood pressure, problems sleeping, depression or confusion. Victims of psychological abuse may also be emotionally upset, withdrawn or exhibit unusual behavior such as biting or sucking thumbs.
“Psychological abuse can take many forms,” said Kidder. “The victims can be subject to humiliating and derogatory comments in public, belittled in private or simply isolated emotionally and not spoken to, touched or comforted in any way.”
And finally, though it accounts for only one percent of all referrals, sexual abuse is the most violent form of abuse investigators deal with. Victims of sexual abuse are often women or persons with cognitive or physical disabilities.
The warning signs can include difficulty walking or sitting, sexually transmitted diseases, inappropriate relationships between the victim and suspected abuser and unusual or aggressive sexual behavior by the victim.
“Sexual abuse is the most under-reported form of abuse we deal with,” said Kidder. “Much like sexual abuse in the general population, the small numbers of cases we deal with are, sadly, probably just the tip of the iceberg.”
Compounding the problem of adult abuse is the fact that Oklahoma’s elderly population is large and continuing to grow. According to the U.S. Census, Oklahoma ranks 19th in the nation in percentage of its population that is age 65 and older. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce projects that the number of Oklahomans age 85 and older will almost double by the year 2030.
“The common thread in all forms of abuse is isolation and if people don’t get involved and pay attention to their elderly and disabled neighbors, we are possibly looking at something that could turn into a huge epidemic for our state,” said Kidder. “With a staff of only 150 people statewide, we’re already stretched pretty thin. Without everyone showing some good old fashioned care and concern for others, it won’t be long before we’re overwhelmed.”
Added Kidder, “All it takes is a few minutes to ask someone how they are doing and if they need any help. If people would just take that simple step, we could easily prevent a lot of this abuse from ever happening. And if it is happening, a simple ‘how are you today’ could tip you off to report suspected abuse. That is the first step in making sure these folks are safe, protected and able to get a fresh start.”
To report suspected abuse, contact the Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-522-3511 or your local OKDHS County office.
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