ELDERLY ABUSE INVESTIGATIONS

Plant City Police DepartmentTraining Division

Characteristics of the Elderly Populationo The elderly tend to be vulnerable to crime and

neglect and are often reluctant to report crimes.o Elderly often live in fear of crime.o The elderly population commit only a small %

of crimes – mostly misdemeanorso Have a positive attitude towards law

enforcement

Characteristics of the Elderly Populationo Most elderly persons live at home, close to or

with family members.o A small percentage live in nursing homes.o Many elderly individuals receive assistance

through federal or state programso More than one quarter of the elderly population

have income below or just above the poverty level.

Physiological Changes Related to Agingo Age is not synonymous with disease and

disabilityo Certain medical conditions are expected with

age.o Officers need to consider the following such

conditions when dealing with the elderly:

Physiological Changes Related to Aging• Change in eyesight• Hearing loss• Change in sense of touch• Loss of balance• More susceptible to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and

hypothermia• Loss of muscle ability and strength• Cognitive ability is diminished

Physiological Changes Related to Agingo Some elderly suffer from chronic medical

conditions to include the following:• Alzheimer’s disease• Dementia• Schizophrenia• Depression• Bed sores• Dehydration

Physiological Changes Related to Agingo Suicide among elderly is high in comparison to

other demographics due to:

• Depression• Death of a loved one• Loss of independence• Financial inadequacy

How to Communicate With the Elderly The way law enforcement interacts with the elderly

will directly affect the person’s view of the law enforcement

Don’t assume elderly are simple minded due to age Treat the individual with dignity, respect, and patience Speak directly to the individual, maintain eye contact,

and use a conversational tone Include the individual in all discussions concerning his

or her welfare and adjust communication in reference to any disabilities confronted with.

Assistance to the Elderly

• Home-delivered meals• Medical care• Emotional support• Financial management• Assistance with daily

activities

Assistance to the Elderly The following can be used to locate elderly assistance

(24 Hour Service):

Florida Elder Help Line

1-800-96-ELDER

The following can be used to report suspected elderly abuse. (24 Hour Service):

Florida Abuse Registry Hotline

1-800-96-ABUSE

Definition: Elderly PersonAn elderly person is a person 60 years of age or older who is suffering from the infirmities of aging as manifested by advanced age or organic brain damage, or other physical, mental, or emotional dysfunction, to the extent that the ability of the person to provide adequately for his own care or protection is impaired.

Definition: Elderly Abuse Intentional infliction of physical or psychological

injury upon an elderly person An intentional act that could reasonably be expected to

result in physical or psychological injury to an elderly person or disabled adult

Active encouragement of any person to commit an act that results or could reasonably be expected to result in physical or psychological injury to an elderly person or disabled adult.

Definition: CaregiverA person who has been entrusted with or has assumed responsibility for the care or the property of a disabled adult or elderly person; includes, but is not limited to, relatives, court appointed or voluntary guardians, adult household members, neighbors, health care providers, and employees and volunteers of facilities.

Definition: Exploitation of ElderlyWhen someone knowingly, by deception or intimidation, endeavors to obtain or use an elderly person’s funds, assets or property. The suspect’s intent must be to deprive the person of the use, benefit, or possession of the funds, assets, or property, or to benefit someone other than the elderly person temporarily or permanently.

Investigative Note An officer may become aware of suspected abuse or

neglect of an elderly person during the course of a separate investigation, through direct contact with a citizen in the community or through dispatch;

Remember the reporter or complainant may have valuable information to aid in the investigation

Conversely, complainant may have a negative agenda Officer should ensure to keep the reporter’s information

confidential

Verification of Alleged or Possible AbuseInitial Actions

Upon responding to a report provide necessary medical aid

If medical aid is not required, immediately isolate and interview the victim, witnesses, and/or complainant

Verification of Alleged or Possible AbuseObservations

Make a note of the living conditions and ensure to ask the elderly subject to specify their living area

Note the elderly person’s hygiene and decide if it appears that person is taken care of

Note if appropriate food is in the kitchen and refrigerator

Attempt to identify special needs which are not being met by the caretaker

Verification of Alleged or Possible AbuseMedical Specifics

Determine if subject is on any prescribed medication Look around the house to find any such medicine Attempt to determine if that medicine affects

comprehension or awareness Ensure to check for medical bracelets or necklaces Check if subject has a membership card for a support

group to assist in determining person’s mental state

Verification of Alleged or Possible AbuseRemember…

Signs of abuse or exploitation may not be obvious while room may appear hygienic, caretaker may not allow subject to leave the room

It is important to reserve judgment about people’s lives and lifestyle choices

Standards of living deviate, however the officer is looking for care not being provided by a caretaker which places the elderly person’s health in jeopardy

Responding to an Elderly Person Being Victimized

Be prepared to take action to ensure the safety of the victim upon arrival

Recognize the victim’s reactions and respond accordingly: Loud or argumentative can signal impending violence Crying or laughing may express the victim’s relief an

officer has finally arrived Quiet or regressive behavior may indicate suffering

Be sensitive, observe carefully, speak simply, and have patience.

Develop a Plan of Action To Remove the Threat

When an officer learns of a case of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a disabled adult or elderly person, the criminal conduct becomes a public concern, not merely a private family matter and the officer should immediately remove the threat to the victim. If a crime has occurred, identify the statute violated. (see handout)

Don’t just sit there…Take Action!!! Florida State Statute requires an officer who knows, or

has reasonable cause to suspect, that an elderly person is abused, neglected or exploited immediately report such knowledge or suspicion to the DCF Abuse Hot Line.

1-800-96-ABUSE

Issue a Silver Alert if situation involves a missing elderly person who suffers from dementia or a cognitive impairment, and is thought to be endangered.

ConclusionAs Florida’s elderly population increases, law enforcement officers will interact with older people more frequently than ever before and in a variety of settings. This increased interaction requires that officers become more aware of this groups special needs to ensure that older Floridians have the full protection of the law. You may be the only guardian a person in need has.