How To Prevent Elder Abuse & Protect Ones Rights

Each year thousands of adult Oklahomans suffer abuse, neglect and exploitation by family members and other caregivers.  Many victims are elderly, frail, vulnerable, cannot help themselves, and/or depend on others to meet their basic needs.

Physical, behavioral, and environmental signs, or signs of financial abuse are not necessarily proof of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.  They may be clues that a problem exists, however.

There is a program that can help.  The Department of Human Services offers a program called Adult Protective Services or A.P.S.  The Adult Protective Services program is authorized in Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes, sections 10-101 through 10-111.  The law states that any person who has reasonable cause to believe a vulnerable adult is suffering from abuse, neglect, or exploitation shall report the situation to authorities as soon as the person is aware of the situation.  Reports can be made to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services APS program, or the local sheriff's department.  Reporting is the individuals responsibility of the person who believes the situation to be one that should be reported.
 

The following are ways to prevent abuse for yourself:

• Maintain social contacts & cultivate friendships
   
• Take care of your health through regular medical & dental check-ups
   
• Be honest with your medical advisers regarding any problems you experience
   
• Stay active, both physically & mentally
   
• Learn about the changes that are part of the normal aging process
   
• Be thoroughly familiar with your financial status, & have a plan in place for someone you trust to handle your finances should you become unable to do so
   
• Make your health care wishes known through an Advanced Directive, & make sure your doctors, and lawyers have a copy, as well as family members.
   
• If you need help, ask for it from someone you trust to help, such as a family member, doctor, lawyer, clergy, or other helping professionals, friends or neighbors.
   
• Remember that life's circumstances can change in an instant, & be prepared to change with them.
  
   

For Others:

• Be aware of vulnerable adults with whom you have contact, such as relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.
   
• Don't allow friends, relatives, or neighbors to isolate themselves
   
• Encourage older relatives and friends to make plans for financial management and care should they become unable to take care of themselves.
   
• Don't volunteer to provide care or services you are not sure you can handle
   
• Learn to recognize the warning signs of possible adult maltreatment, including self neglect, and report suspicious situations to the police or Adult Protective Services as soon as you're aware of them.

Reporting Abuse

    Any person who suspects that abuse of an elder has occurred can and should report it.  Another's assets, health, dignity, and/or life may depend upon your courage to act.

    Abuse can continue and often escalates if there is no intervention.  Known or suspected cases of abuse should be reported to the appropriate agencies in your area, such as Adult Protective Services, or your local Police.  When in doubt, err on the side of caution and report.

Remember: INTERVENTION  can save a life!