A Safehaven for Abused Seniors
Long-term care facilities are respected for their role in caring for seniors when they (and their families) are no longer able to provide for themselves at home. Some facilities across the country are providing another refuge for seniors who have been abused.
Reports of elder abuse have reached 472,813 in 2000, the latest number available, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse, a research group financed by the United States Administration on Aging. Officials believe this number is probably low because not all abuse is reported. There is a tremendous need for domestic violence shelters suited to the continuum of needs of elder victims, including geriatric care, physical therapy and peer counseling.
The Hebrew Home at Riverdale is one such facility opening its doors to abused elders. The program provides not just shelter, but access to legal and financial services, social workers and other help for individuals who are being abused. The organization is now helping other nursing homes in Florida, New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island replicate the program.
Click here to read the New York Times article about this fascinating program.