ABUSE OF THE ELDERLY

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse is any action by someone in a relationship of trust that results in harm or distress to an older person. Neglect is a lack of action by that person in a relationship of trust with the same result.

Many Kinds Of Mistreatment

Many older people are victims of elder abuse, sometimes called elder mistreatment. It can happen to anyone—no matter what their race, religion, or background. And, it can happen in manyplaces including the older person’s home, a family member’s house, assisted living facility, or nursing home. Caring for someone who is physically or mentally disabled can be demanding and exhausting. Some caregivers become frustrated, and some type of physical or emotional abuse may occur.

Physical abuse of seniors

Physical abuse of seniors includes actions that injure or risk injuring an older person or cause them physical pain and may include:

• striking;
• hitting;
• pushing;
• shaking;
• burning;
• shoving; 
• inappropriate physical and chemical restraints; or
• harm created by over or under medicating.

Psychological abuse of seniors

Psychological abuse of seniors includes actions that decrease their sense of self-worth and dignity, and may include:

• insults;
• threats;
• intimidation;
• humiliation;
• harassment;
• treating them like a child; or
• isolating them from family, friends or regular activities.

Financial abuse of seniors

Financial abuse includes actions that decrease the financial worth of an older person without benefit to that person and may include: 

• misusing or stealing a senior’s assets, property or money;
• cashing an elderly person’s cheques without authorization;
• forging an elderly person’s signature;
• unduly pressuring seniors to make or change a will, or to sign legal documents that they do not fully understand; and
• sharing an older person’s home without paying a fair share of the expenses when requested.

Neglect of seniors

Neglect includes in actions that may result in harm to an older person and may include a caregiver or family member not providing appropriate: 

• water or food;
• shelter;
• clothing;
• medication or medical attention; and
• assistance with basic necessities.

Who Is Being Abused?

Most victims of abuse are women, but some are men. Likely targets are older people who have no family or friends nearby, and those who suffer from physical handicaps or memory problems. Abuse can happen to any older person, but often affects those who depend on others for help with activities of everyday life—including bathing, dressing, and taking medicine. The frailest people are often abused because they appear to be easy victims.

What are indicators of elder abuse and neglect?

Elder abuse and neglect can be very difficult to detect. The following signs and symptoms may indicate that an older adult is being victimized or neglected:

• fear, anxiety, depression or passiveness in relation to a family member, friend or care provider;
• unexplained physical injuries;
• dehydration, poor nutrition or poor hygiene; 
• improper use of medication; 
• confusion about new legal documents, such as a new will or a new mortgage; 
• sudden drop in cash flow or financial holdings; and 
• reluctance to speak about the situation.

What can be done to prevent elder abuse?

Countries around the world are at varying stages in their national and local response to the care and protection of the elderly. While some countries include abuse of the elderly under their legal statutes and have fully developed systems for reporting and treating cases of abuse, others have a much more limited response.

Social services

In general, countries that deliver services to abused, neglected or exploited older people have done so through the existing health and social services network. Such services typically include medical, legal, psychological and financial, as well as help with housing and other environmental issues.

Other interventions include emergency shelters, support groups specifically aimed at older abused people, and telephone helplines. In some low-income countries, local projects have been established to help older people plan programmes and develop their own services.

Health care

In some countries, the medical profession has played a leading role in raising public concern about elder abuse. However, few intervention programmes for abused elders are housed in hospital settings and many doctors do not diagnose abuse because it is not part of their training Some of the signs and symptoms of abuse include:

• delays between injuries or illness and seeking medical attention
• implausible or vague explanations for injuries or ill-health, from either patient or caregiver
• differing case histories from patient and caregiver
• frequent visits to emergency departments because a chronic condition has worsened, despite a care plan and resources to deal with this in the home
• functionally-impaired older patients who arrive without their main caregiver
• laboratory findings that are inconsistent with the history provided.

Education and public awareness campaigns

Public education and awareness raising are important elements in preventing abuse and neglect. The aim of such efforts is to inform practitioners and the general public about the various types of abuse, how to identify the signs and symptoms of abuse and where help can be obtained. 

The media can also be a powerful tool for changing attitudes and reducing stereotyping of the elderly.

Educational programmes aimed at older people themselves are usually more successful if the information on abuse is woven into wider topics, such as successful ageing or health care.

We Have To Remember:

• Seniors are entitled to respect
• Seniors have every right to live in safety and security
• There is no excuse for abuse.