Mennonite Central Committee

Responding to the Abused

• If you know that an elderly person is being seriously abused (beaten, treated roughly, or where theft is involved), call the police.
• Remove the elderly person from harm's way.
• If the elderly person is being verbally abused, or being abused by neglect, change the primary care-giver. Even though this abuse may not seem as harmful, it may have long term negative health effects on the elderly person.
• If possible, involve the faith community in the healing process.
• Surround the elderly person with your love and support.
• Hold the one who abused accountable for his or her actions and ensure the elderly person is kept safe from further abuse.

Deal with safety issues first

If there is immediate danger, call the police or 911; otherwise alert the victim to available community resources.

Believe them

Recognizing and responding to abused persons may mean doing some investigation rather than assuming it couldn't be that bad, especially if the person who may be offending is involved in community or church. Sometimes we find it hard to believe that someone we think we know and respect could actually harm their own parent, relative, or elderly friend.

Reassure them that it is not their fault.

The elderly abused person should remain the decision-maker whenever possible. Be aware that she/he will often be more concerned about the welfare of the person who is doing the abusing than about her/his own safety.

 

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