Elder Abuse - Prevention Is Everyone's Job

Posted on January 7, 2010 by John R Kormanik

In a previous post entitled "Yes, Elder Abuse Happens...Even In Idaho," I relayed the story of Verda Nicks and her untimely and tragic death. Ms. Nicks' twin sons, age 55, are charged with felonies alleging they subjected Ms. Nicks to abuse and neglect.

The day after my post, the Idaho AARP issued a press release letting all of us know the signs of Elder Abuse. The AARP's list contains important information for you to be aware of. According to the AARP, the following are signs of elder abuse:

  • Unexplained bruises or other injuries.
  • Sudden change in behavior.
  • Caregiver's refusal to allow visitors.
  • Elder is extremely upset, withdrawn, unresponsive; other unusual behavior.
  • Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, weight loss.
  • Unattended health problems or lack of necessary aids, such as eyeglasses or dentures.
  • Unsanitary living conditions (lice, soiled bedding).
  • Inadequate clothing; no heat or running water.
  • Unexplained bank withdrawals, unauthorized use of a credit or ATM card, stolen or "misplaced" cards or checkbook.
  • Checks written as a "loan" or "gift."
  • Abrupt changes in a will or other documents.

These warning signs apply whether an elderly person is in the community, an assisted living facility or a nursing home.

If you observe any of these warning signs, or if your "gut" tells you an elderly family member, friend or neighbor is being abused, you should call Adult Protective Services at (877) 471-2777 and the local police; in an emergency, call 911.  If you observe the signs in an assisted living facility or nursing home, report your concerns immediately to the facility's management and call the Idaho Ombusdman at (208) 334-3833.

Of course, you will not see any of these warning signs if you do not take the time to check in on an elderly family member, friend or neighbor. I know we are all busy but, honestly, are we so busy that we do not have a few moments to pick up the phone and place a call or walk to an elderly neighbor's house to check on them? We have all heard the expression "it takes a village to raise a child." In fact, it also takes a village to ensure our elderly citizens are properly cared for and not subject to abuse and neglect. Take the time and make the effort, you could be saving someone's life.

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Yes, Elder Abuse Happens...Even In Idaho

Posted on January 5, 2010 by John R Kormanik

As part of my work on behalf of nursing home and assisted living facility residents, and in part because of my work on this blog, I am constantly updated on news stories concerning elder, nursing home and assisted living facility abuse. Typically, the stories I read are from such far flung regions as Illinois, Florida and New York. Although I certainly take no pleasure in any of these stories, I am "glad" these tragedies are not occurring in my back yard. Unfortunately, a story in today's Idaho Statesman concerning elder abuse is in my back yard. That the abuse did not occur in a nursing home or assisted living facility matters naught. It is a tragedy.

The story by the Idaho Statesman's Kristin Rodine is about the death of Verda Nicks, who died on December 26, 2009. Six weeks earlier, Ms. Nicks was found in a "garbage-and feces-filled home." She was found because of the caring actions of a friend, who had been unable to contact Ms. Nicks by telephone for several weeks. Although Ms. Nicks told authorities she was caring for herself, the Canyon County Prosecutor, John Bujak, has evidence that Ms. Nicks' twin sons, Danny and David Nicks were, in fact, providing care for their now-deceased mother. Mr. Bujak has charged the sons with felony abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult, a crime which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000.00 fine.

According to the article, and based on information provided by Ms. Nicks' sons, Ms. Nicks had been bedridden for about two years since breaking her hip. This was the second time Ms. Nicks had done so. The first time, she entered a nursing home. Apparently, again according to the sons, Ms. Nicks did not want to go back to the nursing home after she broke her hip the second time.

Under our system of justice, the sons are presumed innocent until proven guilty; this story is just beginning. Whether or not the sons are ever convicted, this story does provide a cautionary tale for those of us with elderly parents. If you parent is injured, make certain you can, in fact, provide the care that is necessary. If you cannot, help them, with input from qualified health care providers, find a facility that meets their needs. There is no shame in admitting you cannot provide the care y our loved one needs.

If the sons are indeed telling the truth when they say Ms. Nicks did not want to return to a nursing home after breaking her hip the second time, this fact also makes me wonder. What kind of experience did Ms. Nicks have during her first nursing home stay that resulted in this thinking? Unfortunately, at this point, we will likely never know.

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