Incidents of elder abuse are increasing in Oregon. A report from the Office of Adult Abuse Prevention last week documents a 10 percent jump in allegations and investigations.
The most common types of adult abuse are financial, for those living at home, and neglect, for those living in care facilities. Rebecca Fetters of Oregon’s Department of Human Services says the reason for the increase is partially demographic:
Fetters: “We might anticipate continuing to see an increase in those numbers going forward, in part because of the rapid aging of the 65 and older population.”
Fetters says greater awareness has also bumped up the number of calls about suspected elder abuse. Community outreach is important she says, because nationally less than a quarter of cases are reported. She cites physical changes like bruising or worsening hygiene and increased fearfulness as potential red flags.
The Office of Abuse Prevention has a toll free reporting line at: 1-555-503-SAFE (7233).