How to Prevent Elder Abuse in Georgia

How to Prevent Elder Abuse in Georgia

Elder abuse is a serious problem that affects thousands of older adults in Georgia each year. As our population ages, it’s more important than ever to understand what elder abuse is, know the signs of abuse, and learn how to prevent it. This article provides an overview of elder abuse in Georgia, risk factors and warning signs, state laws and reporting procedures, and most importantly – tips to help prevent abuse from happening in the first place.

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse refers to intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted individual that causes harm to an older adult. Under Georgia law, elder abuse includes[1]:

• Physical Abuse – inflicting physical pain or injury, depriving them of basic needs, or non-consensual sexual contact.
• Emotional Abuse – inflicting mental anguish through verbal or nonverbal acts.
• Neglect – failing to provide essential services that jeopardizes their health.
• Financial Exploitation – illegal or improper use of their resources for personal gain.

Abuse can occur in domestic settings by family members, or in care facilities by staff. Sadly, [2] 90% of abusers are family members such as an adult child or spouse.

Risk Factors and Warning Signs

Certain situations can increase an older adult’s risk for abuse. Being aware of these risk factors can help identify potentially abusive relationships[3]:

• Social isolation and lack of community engagement
• Cognitive impairment such as dementia or Alzheimer’s
• Reliance on others for caregiving and transportation
• Unpaid family caregivers under stress
• Substance abuse by caregivers or family members
• Power imbalances between caregivers and older adults

Warning signs that abuse may be occurring include[4]:

• Unexplained injuries like bruises, broken bones, or burns
• Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or activities
• Fear, anxiety, depression or hesitation to talk openly
• Disheveled appearance or lack of medical aids like glasses or walkers
• Unpaid bills, missing belongings, or unusual bank account activity

Georgia Laws and Reporting

Georgia has laws in place to protect older adults and punish abusers. Key laws include[5]:

• Family Violence Act – makes domestic abuse of elders a crime with penalties.
• Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Protection Act – requires reporting of suspected abuse.
• Criminal statutes – makes physical, sexual, and financial abuse a felony.

As a concerned family member, friend, or neighbor, you play a critical role in identifying and reporting suspected elder abuse. Here’s how to make a report in Georgia[6]:

• At Home: Call Georgia Adult Protective Services at 1-866-552-4464 to report suspected abuse.
• Care Facility: Call the Department of Community Health at 1-800-878-6442.
• Emergency: Call 911 immediately if someone is in danger.

When making a report, provide as much detail as possible such as names, dates, description of abuse, and your relationship to the elder. Reports can be made confidentially.

Preventing Elder Abuse

While reporting abuse is critical, prevention is ideal. Here are some tips to help prevent elder abuse before it starts:

• Stay socially engaged – Encourage elders to participate in community activities, volunteer, or join a senior center to reduce isolation.
• Conduct regular visits – Frequently visit elders, even if just a phone call. Watch for signs of abuse.
• Learn about resources – Become familiar with support services like home care, adult day programs, support groups and respite care.
• Reduce caregiver stress – If you’re a family caregiver, take respite breaks and share duties with others. Manage stress through counseling, support groups, or talk therapy.
• Plan ahead – Have difficult but necessary conversations about future care preferences and financial matters early on. Consider developing a power of attorney.
• Vet caregivers thoroughly – Do background checks, check references, and make unannounced visits. Ensure proper training.
• Educate yourself – Learn about warning signs, risk factors, and how to support loved ones while protecting their independence.
• Speak up about concerns – Have open and caring conversations with elders about any concerns you may have about their safety and wellbeing.

Preventing elder abuse requires effort from individuals, families, communities, and policy makers. But together we can reduce risk, support caregivers, and protect the health, safety and dignity of our growing senior population.