The number of reported cases of elderly abuse and domestic violence are increasing, according to statistics by Bristol Elder Services, the Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs and the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Bristol Elder Services said more than 1,874 cases of elder abuse were reported in southeastern Massachusetts last year. Of those, 461 were substantiated.
In Rhode Island, more than 500 cases of elder abuse were reported last year, according to statistics from both the Department of Elderly Affairs and the RICADV.
A majority of those cases involved someone the alleged abuser knew.
"Unfortunately, it happens all too often. We had over 300 cases of elder domestic violence in Rhode Island and we see those numbers increasing each year," said Deb DeBare of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
A Fall River man on Wednesday was charged with neglecting his 91-year-old mother.
Filip Cruz was arrested after his mother, Olivia Cruz, was taken to St. Anne's Hospital with extreme bedsores, rotting flesh and a widespread infection. She later died.
"It's not like it happens all of a sudden. It usually builds over time. Like any kind of family violence doesn't explode over night," DeBare said.
Debare said abuse may not be what you think.
"If you have a frail, elderly person, who is being cared for at home, they are an easy target someone for that sense of control. So the abuse can take a number of forms. It's not just the typical physical abuse that you may think of," she said.
DeBare said talking one-on-one to the person who is being abused is important.
She said if the abusive person is in the room, the person who is being abused is less likely to be honest and forthright about what's happening to them.
"We have to get over these fears that by asking someone if they are OK that it's going to make the problem worse. It won't. At the very least, what it will do is let the person know you care. The person may not disclose to you right then and there about what's happening, but if you check in on them again, they are more likely to know that you really do care and they might tell you at that point," DeBare said.
There is help available, even for family members who feel overwhelmed with providing care for a parent.
In southeastern Massachusetts, you can call Bristol Elderly Abuse at 508-675-2701. In Rhode Island, you can call the Department of Elderly Affairs at 401-462-0555.
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