Senior Citizen Abuse

News headlines report of senior citizen abuse, mostPerhaps a friend or relative lives in the senior citizen's
everyday. Long gone are the values and moralities ofhome to provide assistance and/or companionship.
our grandparent's generation. Time was when aThis person might get angry because they don't
handshake, or your word was all that was necessarywant the responsibility of caring for an older person.
to honor commitments. Gone are the days on anPerhaps they feel as if their freedom has been taken
unlocked house, open windows, or sitting out backfrom them. If the elderly person has adequate
alone.finances, the one that is supposed to be looking out
The elderly in today's society can, unfortunately,for the well-being of the senior begins to feel that
encounter many traumatic events for no cause ofthey should be compensated or rewarded
their own. Predators watch and learn learn an oldexcessively.
person's schedule, like, when they leave their homesAn elderly person who refuses to give money or sign
and when they are likely to return, what times theyover their property, risks being violently attacked by
get up or go to bed, and if they are handicapped or illa family member or friend. It could be an adult son or
by the comings and goings of a visiting nurse.daughter, grandson or granddaughter, or a friend.
Many in the society of today appear to have lost allMost elderly people hesitate to report abuse from a
respect for other people's property. It seems theserelative or friend. Many are in failing health, and don't
people are without limits, with nothing moreknow who to turn to for help. Or, perhaps, they fear
important than self-serving tactics. Who cares if anthe attacker will retaliate and things will get much
old person is lonely, in pain, or needs assistance?worse, if they report the abuse.
Many times, the media tells us about a kid thatAging can be a lonely and painful experience. Some
brutally beat elderly parents, grandparents, or elderlysenior citizens were attacked and left alone to
strangers. Without any motivation, other thanendure the pain and shame. Many could not get to
pursuing what they want, senior citizens can becometheir phone to call for help. But, if they would have
their prey. And, if they want something you have inhad an emergency alarm, the help they needed could
your home, you could be their next victim.have been summoned.
But, not all attackers are strangers, and the elderlyA small device, disguised as a pendant or wristwatch
person might not be beaten, robbed, or brutallycan save lives, literally. There is no need to get to a
murdered by the hands of an unknown person.phone. Help and assistance is no further away than
Sometimes, the attacker is a family member, relative,the end of the finger. As easy as pushing a button
or friend.on the device calls an emergency operator, and help
When elderly people are attacked or threatened,can be on the way.
how are they to protect themselves? Many don'tMany times, long-term injuries or death can be the
possess the strength or agility to fight back or run.result of not being able to get the care when it is
They can fall down stairs, against door jams, or beneeded. A personal security device can provide peace
trapped in a wheelchair. Many times they do notof mind, and is a true friend in need. Senior citizens
understand what or why this is happening to them,can live independently knowing they have the ability
because the person doing them harm is someoneto get help whenever they need.
they trusted.