Senior Citizen Abuse

News headlines report of senior citizen abuse, most everyday. Long gone are the values and moralities of our grandparent's generation. Time was when a handshake, or your word was all that was necessary to honor commitments. Gone are the days on an unlocked house, open windows, or sitting out back alone.

The elderly in today's society can, unfortunately, encounter many traumatic events for no cause of their own. Predators watch and learn learn an old person's schedule, like, when they leave their homes and when they are likely to return, what times they get up or go to bed, and if they are handicapped or ill by the comings and goings of a visiting nurse.

Many in the society of today appear to have lost all respect for other people's property. It seems these people are without limits, with nothing more important than self-serving tactics. Who cares if an old person is lonely, in pain, or needs assistance?

Many times, the media tells us about a kid that brutally beat elderly parents, grandparents, or elderly strangers. Without any motivation, other than pursuing what they want, senior citizens can become their prey. And, if they want something you have in your home, you could be their next victim.

But, not all attackers are strangers, and the elderly person might not be beaten, robbed, or brutally murdered by the hands of an unknown person. Sometimes, the attacker is a family member, relative, or friend.

When elderly people are attacked or threatened, how are they to protect themselves? Many don't possess the strength or agility to fight back or run. They can fall down stairs, against door jams, or be trapped in a wheelchair. Many times they do not understand what or why this is happening to them, because the person doing them harm is someone they trusted.

Perhaps a friend or relative lives in the senior citizen's home to provide assistance and/or companionship. This person might get angry because they don't want the responsibility of caring for an older person. Perhaps they feel as if their freedom has been taken from them. If the elderly person has adequate finances, the one that is supposed to be looking out for the well-being of the senior begins to feel that they should be compensated or rewarded excessively.

An elderly person who refuses to give money or sign over their property, risks being violently attacked by a family member or friend. It could be an adult son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter, or a friend. Most elderly people hesitate to report abuse from a relative or friend. Many are in failing health, and don't know who to turn to for help. Or, perhaps, they fear the attacker will retaliate and things will get much worse, if they report the abuse.

Aging can be a lonely and painful experience. Some senior citizens were attacked and left alone to endure the pain and shame. Many could not get to their phone to call for help. But, if they would have had an emergency alarm, the help they needed could have been summoned.

A small device, disguised as a pendant or wristwatch can save lives, literally. There is no need to get to a phone. Help and assistance is no further away than the end of the finger. As easy as pushing a button on the device calls an emergency operator, and help can be on the way.

Many times, long-term injuries or death can be the result of not being able to get the care when it is needed. A personal security device can provide peace of mind, and is a true friend in need. Senior citizens can live independently knowing they have the ability to get help whenever they need.