Windsor Life
Page 14
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Staff of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
(CDPHE)
•
Staff of Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
(HCPF)
•
Staff of senior centers or senior outreach and research
organizations
•
Staff and staff of contracted providers of Area Agencies on Aging
(AAAs) (except the long-term care ombudsman)
•
Employees, consultants or volunteers that provide transportation
services for at-risk adults
•
Court appointed guardians and conservators
•
School personnel at schools serving persons in preschool through
12th grade
•
Veterinarians
•
Clergy (pursuant to Section 13-90-109(1)(C), C.R.S.)
•
Personnel of banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions,
and other lending or financial institutions
What Do You Report and When?
If you are a mandatory reporter and you witness or become aware that
an at-risk elder has been or is at imminent risk for mistreatment
(abuse, caretaker neglect, or exploitation), you must make a report to
law enforcement within 24 hours.
MANDATORY REPORTING OF ABUSE
continued from page 13
Source:
In Colorado, more than 4,000 incidents of adult abuse, exploitation
or neglect are reported each year to local county departments of
social services and long-term care ombudsmen. Many more go
unreported. The victims are at-risk adults age 18 or over who due to
age or disability are unable to protect themselves and have no one
to protect them. Over 70% are over 60 and are physically impaired or
have some form of dementia. The younger victims are persons with
physical or developmental disabilities.
For many, the abuse, exploitation or neglect is caused by a caregiver
or a member of their own family. Often the victim is totally dependent
upon the abuser, and is afraid to complain for fear of reprisal.
Signs that may indicate abuse, exploitation or neglect are
occurring:
Physical Abuse
•
Frequent injuries such as bruises, burns, broken bones,
especially when the explanation for the cause of the injury
does not seem plausible
•
Over medication/sedation
•
Multiple bruises in various stages of healing, particularly
bruises on inner arms or thighs
•
Victim appears frightened or withdrawn
•
Victim has been locked in a room or tied up
Emotional/Psychological Abuse
•
Sudden dramatic change in victim’s behavior: appears
withdrawn, depressed
•
Caretaker won’t let victim speak for him/herself
•
Caretaker scolds, insults and/or threatens victims
Sexual Abuse
•
Evidence of sexually transmitted disease
•
Irritation or injuries to mouth, genitals or anus
•
Victim acts upset when changed or bathed
•
Victim appears fearful when with a particular person
Neglect
•
Filthy living environment
•
Lack of medical attention
•
Lack of dentures, hearing aids, glasses
•
Malnutrition, dehydration
•
Clothing is inadequate for the climate
•
Poor hygiene
Financial Exploitation
•
Unusual activity in bank account; sudden large withdrawals;
expenditures that are not consistent with victim’s past financial
history
•
Use of Automated Teller Machines by person with no history of
using ATMs or who cannot access one due to a disability
•
Signing over rights on legal papers without understanding
what the papers mean
•
Eviction for nonpayment of rent; house in foreclosure; utilities
shut off, lack of food, clothing or personal supplies
•
Title to home signed over in exchange for promise of “life-long
care”
Signs of Elder Abuse
LEGISLATORS KEEP PROGRAMS TO BENEFIT SENIORS
continued from page 12
Colorado Department of Human Services to share bonuses with the
counties if the State meets certain requirements for accuracy and
timeliness. This should improve benefits for older adults who use
these programs.
For more information on these and other bills affecting older adults,
call the Colorado Gerontological Society at 303-333-3482. Individuals
who need assistance with applying for any of the programs are
encouraged to call for help and talk with a counselor.
Source: Eileen Doherty, MS, Executive Director of the Colorado
Gerontological Society has more than 40 years of experience in
education and training, advocacy, clinical practice, and research in
the field of gerontology. She can be reached at 303-333-3482 or at
.
