Domestic Violence

What is elder abuse?

Abuse is intentional hurting of another person. The hurt can be in many forms: physical, mental or financial. Abuse can also involve physical and medical neglect. A caregiver may confine an elderly person and allow minimal or no contact with the person.

Sidebar: Some states have laws making it a crime to mistreat or exploit people 65 and older. Criminals may face harsher penalties for acts against seniors than for the same act against younger citizens.

My caretaker has become abusive. What can I do?

If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911. Tell the responding officers of your situation and the concern for your own safety. If there is no immediate danger, check with your local adult protective services agency. A call to your library or city hall should help you locate resources in your area. These agencies can investigate suspected abuse and help families find proper support and care.

If I report my abuser, who will take care of me?

There are many options available to seniors who need extra help. The federal Administration on Aging is a good starting point. The Administration works with the National Center for Elder Abuse and has created an "Eldercare Locator." The phone number is 800.677.1116, or you can visit their Web site at www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare/Public/Home.asp. They can provide you with information and referrals for resources in your area. Services may include in-home care with day-to-day tasks, home health care workers to help with medical needs and delivery of meals. The Administration can also help you locate area adult day care facilities, senior centers and nursing homes.

What else can I do?

Always report any suspected elder abuse. If you have been the victim of abuse, see your doctor. The doctor can check you for injuries and provide you with elder resources in your community.

TIP: Call 911 if there is an immediate danger or your local Adult Protective Service program for guidance.

Driving

Driving can be difficult at any age. Seniors in particular need to be aware that they can lose their driving privileges based on medical conditions, traffic violations and failed driving tests.

I am afraid my elderly father could endanger himself and others because of his driving abilities. What can I do about it?

Many states offer "refresher" courses for seniors. Some insurance companies even offer discounts to seniors who complete these courses. States such as California also allow concerned people to fill out requests for driver re-examinations at their local department of motor vehicles (DMV). This will notify the DMV about a possibly unsafe driver. Other states, such as Texas, allow doctors and family members to notify the DMV of any disability that may affect the driving qualifications of a driver.

My daughter wants to have my driver's license revoked. Do I have any options?

Some states allow for partial or complete retesting, restrictions to driving privileges or complete cancellation of driving privileges. See if your state issues driver's licenses for a shorter period of time than a regular license. Or you may qualify for a restricted license. This may allow you to drive only during daylight hours or restrict you from highway and freeway driving. Another possible restriction is allowing you to drive only within a short distance from your home, for example 20 miles.

My insurance company revoked my auto insurance after I had an accident. Can they do that?

An insurance company can revoke your car insurance if your license is suspended or revoked as a result of an accident. In most cases, you must receive written notification of the company's intent to cancel at least 30 days before cancellation.

Do I really need auto insurance?

Yes. All states require that each driver operating an automobile in their state have liability insurance. Proof of insurance must be in your car at all times. Failure to have car insurance can result in a costly fine.

TIP: Although monthly car insurance premiums may seem like an added strain on elderly people's fixed incomes, you cannot afford to be without it. If you are in an accident and have no insurance, you may have to personally pay for any damages to other cars or property as well as medical bills for any person injured as a result of an accident. The cost of this far exceeds the monthly premiums.