Since the early 1980s, the term ‘granny dumping’ has become commonplace in the US. Coined by medical professionals and social workers, it refers to the insensitive act of abandoning a senior adult in a public place.
Such instances are most typical in the case of dementia patients. The most commonly cited reasons are inability to continue care or frustration. Currently, California leads in terms of senior adults with dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s.
By 2025, it is estimated that there will be a surge of 20% in new cases. These vulnerable senior citizens are at risk of neglect and abandonment. In this article, we will discuss granny dumping in light of dementia and why it is so common.
Signs of Dementia Among the Elderly
Dementia is more or less an umbrella term for conditions that impact an individual’s memory and ability to speak or process information. According to Healthline, symptoms may vary depending on the underlying causes. Even so, here’s a list of the common early indicators of dementia –
- There may be subtle changes in short-term memory, including misplacing items, forgetting the reason for entering a room, and difficulty completing a task.
- Seniors may struggle to communicate their thoughts or feelings through the right words.
- Mood changes are also common as those with dementia frequently suffer from anxiety or depression.
- There may be a loss of interest in otherwise enjoyable hobbies and activities.
- The individual may often become confused. This may show itself in the form of difficulty remembering faces, location, etc.
- A failing sense of direction is commonplace when the patient cannot remember previously familiar landmarks.
- People with dementia are often prone to repeating tasks like brushing their teeth or personal grooming because of forgetfulness.
- Cognitive decline which is characteristic of the condition causes a person to make bad decisions. For instance – seniors with dementia may not be able to recognize dangerous situations.
Why Are Seniors with Dementia So Susceptible to Neglect and Abandonment?
Let’s begin by speaking in general. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released some shocking stats on the event of 2024 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. At least one in six senior adults aged 60 and above has experienced some sort of abuse.
Sadly, even assisted long-term care facilities and nursing homes are guilty of elder abuse and neglect. Two in three staff members have confessed to partaking in such illegal activities. This includes the crime of ‘granny dumping’ or elder abandonment.
The first reason why those with dementia are at greater risk of granny dumping is because of the condition itself. Dementia is a debilitating and progressively deteriorating condition that not only affects the elderly but also their caregivers.
Seniors may find their emotional, financial, or physical resources depleted as a result. Even nursing homes and assisted care facilities have staff members who are often stressed and overworked. Though inexcusable, it is natural for the caretakers to become so frustrated that they take it out on the vulnerable seniors.
Moreover, the symptoms of dementia make it difficult for seniors to not only communicate their suffering but also remember places and names. If they were to be abandoned in the garb of a fun day out, it is unlikely that they will find their way back home. What’s worse is that some American families may conclude that it is best to abandon their elderly parents in a different country altogether.
Forms of Neglect and ‘Granny Dumping’
Now, let’s look at some common signs of elderly abuse in its forms of neglect and abandonment. First, we will discuss signs of neglect.
- Sudden unexplained weight loss
- Unhygienic and dangerous situations like a lack of heating during cold or soiled bedding
- Bedsores
- Being left alone without supervision for a long period
- Appearing to be unbathed or unkempt due to dirty clothing
- Having no medical aids, including a walker, glasses, or dentures
We will proceed to talk about granny dumping or abandonment. This may be a temporary or permanent occurrence. In the former’s case, granny dumping usually happens during the holiday season as emergency departments begin to overflow. Let’s look at some signs that an elderly person has been abandoned.
- Caregivers or those responsible for the senior deny knowing the latter’s whereabouts.
- An elderly individual suddenly goes missing without any reports of hospital admittance or death.
In some cases, the senior may themselves report that they’ve been abandoned. However, this is highly unlikely among those with dementia. The senior may simply wander on the streets or parks trying to recall names or locations.
What to Do if You Suspect Elder Neglect
In many cases, a senior is well taken care of for some time. Gradually, caregiver stress and burnout lead to instances of neglect. When such instances escalate, the caregiver may finally decide to abandon the elder altogether.
If you are a well-wisher or neighbor observing signs of elder neglect, here are a few important things to remember.
Do Not Confront the Abuser Yourself
In the heat of the moment, it may seem tempting to approach the abuser and confront them. This may not be the best course of action as it will increase the risk of danger for the elderly. Besides, you may also come on the abuser’s radar.
This point is extremely crucial in light of dementia. In other cases, you could confront the abuser if the senior had permitted to immediately be shifted to an assisted care facility. Dementia patients cannot make clear decisions, so it’s best to wait.
Report the Abuse
You can call on a local helpline or police number to rescue the elderly. There can be another scenario that we can understand using an example. Suppose you reside in the picturesque city of St. Louis, Missouri.
A vibrant community life is just the beginning. St Louis’ population is rapidly aging, the third-highest region with adults over 65 years.
In the next 10 years, nearly 25% of St. Louis will be 65 or above. It is no surprise that one can find over 15 long-term assisted care facilities within a 10-mile radius. This also means it is possible to find a senior wandering the city’s streets. In many cases, such individuals have been abandoned by their assisted care facility.
If you spot such an individual and they show signs of dementia, do not take a risk. Call the authorities right away. Moreover, you should take the elder’s case up with a St. Louis personal injury attorney for justice.
According to TorHoerman Law, legal support would involve gathering evidence and assessing the damages to ensure the senior adult is compensated fairly. Also, an insurance claim will be filed with the assisted care facility’s insurer.
Don’t Let Fear or Apathy Get a Hold
In many cases, people do not take any necessary action against elder neglect and abandonment for fear of getting involved. Others are apathetic and look past since it’s not someone they know.
The community must take charge to protect the vulnerable. This is why each of us must be on the lookout for signs of elder abuse or neglect. A simple phone call to Adult Protective Services may help save someone’s life.
As birth rates decline and life expectancy improves, the US will continue to become an old nation. In 2023, 18% of the total population was aged 65 or above. By 2054, this percentage is expected to become 23%.
As for dementia, over 55 million people worldwide suffer from it. If a collective stand in senior interest is not taken, matters will only get worse. We may find more cases of elderly mass suicide along with abandoned folks without basic means of survival.
