Utah doctors urged to watch for abuse in families, especially among the elderly

Though abuse of the elderly is not a new phenomenon, caregivers and medical practitioners must realize it's a public health issue that demands increased vigilance and action.

That was the message at a daylong conference for doctors, nurses and social service providers on Tuesday, sponsored by the Utah Department of Commerce. "Exploited: Protecting our Older Citizens from Abuse and Exploitation," featured several speakers and panelists focused on both the financial and physical/emotional abuse of the elderly.

Kevin Olsen, director of the state Division of Consumer Protection, said the top five financial scams statewide in 2009 involved theft and fraud via the Internet, as well as sales of "coaching" services, health spa memberships, retail items and alarm systems.

"Seniors are particular targets because they are home a lot. They are being called and they're receiving offers in the mail." The attention itself can be flattering to some who are isolated and lonely, and con artists play on that knowledge to lure potential victims, Olsen said.

Loss of memory, mental health issues and frail physical health all contribute to seniors' vulnerability when thieves come calling, whether in person, by phone, in the mailbox or by e-mail.

Seniors themselves can spot red flags if they know what to look for, including: requests to send money by wire transfer; requests for personal information like bank account or credit card numbers; being solicited at home; offers of something for nothing; and high-pressure sales tactics designed to get an upfront payment for goods or services.

Medical professionals have a particular responsibility to listen to their patients — young and old — and to look for signs that abuse could be occurring, according to Dr. John Nelson, past president of the American Medical Association.

Abuse doesn't just affect elderly in families, Nelson said. He said his own introduction to the reality of family violence came one day while treating a pregnant patient, who brought several children with her to an appointment. She apologized for the inconvenience three different times, telling him she was unable to find a caregiver.

It wasn't until he was finished with their visit and had left the exam room that he realized she was trying to tell him something that she hadn't actually verbalized. He returned to the room and asked why she had to bring her children along.