|
Topics
Frequently Asked Questions about Elder
Abuse
Q : What is
elder abuse?
A : Elder
abuse occurs when anybody neglects or abuses an older person.
The abuse can be physical or mental. Definitions of elder
abuse vary from state to state, but generally include:
- physical abuse,
such as hitting or shoving; sexual abuse, including fondling,
sexual intercourse, and forced intimate contact of almost
any sort;
- verbal and psychological
abuse, such as screaming at the older person, name calling,
and threatening the person;
- neglect, such
as withholding food, shelter, medical care, medication,
and other necessities from the older person; and
- restraint, such
as keeping the person locked up.
Also included in
most states is financial exploitation. This can range from
outright theft to misuse of the older person's money. Cashing
an older person's social security check and not using the
money for the person's care is one example. Many states also
would consider misusing credit cards or funds held in joint
bank accounts as financial exploitation.
Every state has
specific elder abuse laws. You can get details on laws and
programs from your area or state agency on aging or contact
the National Center on Elder Abuse at 1225 I Street, N.W.,
Suite 725, Washington, DC 20005 or on their website at www.elderabusecenter.org/.
Q : Is
elder abuse just a problem for very frail old people who live
in nursing homes?
A : Elder
abuse is a real problem for many older people. Some victims
are very frail and are unable to seek help on their own. However,
many elder abuse victims are active older adults who feel
cornered in an emotionally difficult situation.
Elder abuse can
be a problem for both the rich and the poor. It does not strike
only one race, social class, or economic level.
Q : Who
is a typical abuser?
A : The
typical abuser usually holds a position of trust with the
victim. Unfortunately, the abuser is very often an adult child
or grandchild or other relative of the victim or is an employed
caregiver or a friend or neighbor who has gained the victim's
trust. The abuser could also be an investment counselor, financial
advisor, or a personal attorney.
Q : Who is a
typical victim?
A : A typical
victim is often dependent on the abuser for care, or trusts
the abuser to help with managing his or her affairs. Victims
are often too physically or mentally impaired to report the
abuse themselves, or are fearful that exposing their abuser
will lead to further abuse, total abandonment or nursing home
placement.
Q : If
convicted, what penalties will the abuser face?
A : Criminal
penalties vary, depending on the specific charges and circumstances.
Sentences may include probation, court supervision, restitution,
community service, counseling, or a jail or prison term. uk
auctions
Frequently
Asked Questions about Medical Alarms and PERS Units
Can
I install this myself?
Yes! The PERS units
are very easy to install.
1. Plug PERS unit in to power outlet
2. Plug PERS unit into telephone jack
3. Plug phone into PERS unit
Sets up like a
standard answering machine.
What happens
when the button is pressed?
1. Client presses
button
2. Signal is sent to base unit in home
3. Base unit calls monitoring center
4. Two way communication between the base unit and the monitoring
center is attempted
5. Monitoring center then calls anyone on the contact list
and/or emergency services
Who gets
notified:
When the client
is first setup with the system, a Client
Information Profile will be completed. The profile will
contain the information of anyone on the contact list. This
includes the:
Name:
Relationship:
Keyholder: Yes No
Home:
Work:
Cell:
Pager:
If none of the
contacts can be reached, emergency services in their area
will be dispatched.
The Client Profile
will also include information about the clients medical conditions,
allergies, prescribed medications, doctors information and
any special instructions.
uk
auctions
Is the monitoring
center available 24/7?
Yes. The monitoring
center is 24/7, including holidays.
Does the
button still work if the phone is being used?
Yes. The unit will
disconnect the call and dial the monitoring center.
Can I use
it in the shower?
Yes. The transmitters
are waterproof.
Will it break
if I drop it?
No. The transmitters
are very strong and can withstand being dropped.
How long
do the batteries last?
The batteries will
normally last 1 year.
Local emergency
numbers?
The In-Touch monitoring
center has a current database of all emergency services for
every area in the United States.
Can we get
2 pendants for both parents?
Yes. You can have
two pendants in one household. There will be an extra charge.
Will the
unit work in my area?
The unit will work
in all areas that have telephone service.
How often
am I billed?
The initial fee
of the PERS units include the first 2 months of service. After
that, the clients credit card will be billed once a month.
|
