It is often understood that in tribal communities, “Elders are seen as wisdom keepers and role models” (Allick & Bogic, 2024). Elders “are also bearers of generational knowledge and carry on the resiliency of their people through teachings, stories, and guidance” (Garrett et al., 2014). Elder abuse is a big problem in tribal communities, just like in other communities. It can take different forms, like hurting elders physically, emotionally, financially, or by neglecting them. Several measures are being taken to prevent and address elder abuse in tribal communities:
- Community Education and Awareness: Many groups are working to teach others about mistreating older adults and the different ways it can happen. They are also sharing where abused Elders can go for help and how others can tell someone if they think an older person is being hurt.
- Elder Protection Programs: Some tribes have programs to help protect older adults who might be mistreated. These programs offer check-ins, help for caregivers, and advocacy for Elders.
- Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Working closely with police to ensure they take elder abuse reports seriously and investigate them quickly. Training police on the specific difficulties older people face in native communities can also help.
- Legal Protections: Creating rules and regulations to keep older people safe from harm and giving them ways to get help through the legal system. Tribes can also push for stricter laws at the national and state levels to address abuse of older people.
- Elder Justice Task Forces: Some groups within tribes are working together to stop older people from being mistreated. They are creating teams to make sure everyone is trying to stop elder abuse and help those who are affected by it.
It’s crucial to understand that stopping elder abuse involves a team effort with people from the community, tribal leaders, service providers, and government agencies all working together. By joining forces and acting, tribal communities can keep their Elders safe and well.
Allick, C., & Bogic, M. (2024). Visiting with elders—aging, caregiving, and planning for future generations of American Indians and Alaska natives. Genealogy, 8(2), 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy8020036
New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department. (2020). Office of Indian Elder Affairs [Brochure]. Retrieved from https://aging.nm.gov/uploads/files/Office%20of%20Indian%20Elder%20Affairs%20Brochure-Final-Fall%202020.pdf
Mescalero Apache Tribe. (n.d.). East Mountain Resource Center. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from https://mescaleroapachetribe.com/eastmountainresourcecenter/