Hidden Camera Catches Elder Abuse in Nursing Home

The mere mention of a hidden camera can invoke thoughts of less than honorable people using hidden cameras in less than honorable ways. But despite the news reports of the misuse of them, one recent story of elder abuse in Haverford, Pennsylvania in April of 2012 lets us know with certainty that a hidden camera can be an invaluable tool for concerned family members.

So how can you tell if your elder family member is being abused? What can you do to help? What resources are out there? And if you're pondering whether or not you need to buy a hidden camera to protect a loved one consider the following.

According to the American Psychological Association more than two million older Americans are victims of elder abuse every year. Research suggests that elder abuse is significantly under reported and under identified. In fact, as few as 1 in 6 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse.

Elder Abuse is defined as intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted individual that causes, or can cause, harm to a vulnerable elder. Sharon Merriman-Nai, the co-manager of the National Center on Elder Abuse has stated that "Unfortunately from what statistical information we do have, most victimized people are abused by people they know and trust". Elder abuse can come in many forms; it's not just physical abuse, neglect, abandonment, psychological or emotional abuse, financial abuse and exploitation and even sexual abuse fall under the definition.

Many victims are reluctant to report abuse and the greatest difficulty is overcoming their resistance and fear of identifying the problem, so it's very important that you watch for signs of elder abuse. Often the best help that you can give is to ask questions, of your elder family member, their caregivers and even yourself.

A change in general behavior is a universal warning sign, if you notice that your elder loved one becomes withdrawn or now gets upset or agitated easily, it might very well indicate that it's time to start asking questions. And one important thing to remember is that if your loved one says something happened, take them seriously, Ms. Merriman-Nai also said "Sometimes, when older people suffer from dementia or some sort of cognitive problem, they may not be believed".

If you notice any untreated injuries, or an injury that seems inconsistent with the explanation given for its cause, it may be a sign of physical abuse. Also try to determine if your older family member is afraid of anyone, whether at home or in a facility, or whether they have actually been hit or slapped.

Greed is a contributing factor in many cases of financial abuse; the elderly may be susceptible to exploitation. Be observant, look for signs of missing personal belongings or credit cards, unusual bank account activity or checks made out to cash. Has your loved one redrawn their will at a time when they seemed unable to write one?

Emotional abuse can range from name calling to intimidation and threats. Ask them what happens when he or she and the caregiver have a disagreement. Are they being treated like a child, humiliated or threatened with punishment? Reluctance to talk about their relationship with a staff member, or demonstrating fear, anxiety or withdrawal when asked may be signs of emotional abuse.

In regards to the Pennsylvania caught on hidden camera incident, Delaware County District Attorney Michael Green said "The video depicts criminal activity directed at a senior victim in our county, it's abusive and it's the humiliation which is most difficult to watch on the video. No senior resident of a facility should be subjected to that kind of behavior, particularly from a health care provider".

There are many styles of hidden cameras available that can be discretely placed to blend in with the normal decor of a room, but be aware that although a hidden camera is a great tool for discovering the truth about the alleged abuse, it's not the only solution. With or without video evidence, if you have any reason to believe that an elder loved one is being abused or neglected, there are other resources to help. You can visit the National Center on Elder Abuse website at http://www.ncea.aoa.gov, for more ways to help your loved ones.

And if you believe that an elder is in a life threatening situation, call 911 or contact your local police department immediately.