Elder Abuse - a Growing Problem

Elder Abuse - A Growing Problem

Definition of Elder Abuse

The United States National Academy of science defines elder abuse as the "intentional actions that cause harm or create a serious risk of harm (whether or not harm is intended), to a vulnerable elder by a caregiver or other person who stands in a trusted relationship to the elder." The academy further defines elder abuse as "failure by a caregiver to satisfy the elder's basic needs or to protect the elder from harm." (Elder Abuse: Article by Monique I Sellas, MD, (n.d.), p. 1)

Who Abuses the Elderly?

When we hear about elderly abuse and neglect we tend to think of the abuse taking place in institutions such as nursing homes. The fact is that only about 4 percent of older adults live in nursing homes at any one time. (Elder Abuse and Neglect: In Search of Solutions, (n.d.), p. 9) Most elder abuse occurs in the elder's home and the abuser is typically a family member or paid caregiver. The most common abuser is the spouses or children of the elder, but anyone associated with an elder may abuse them. This can include friends, doctors, lawyers, bankers, accountants, clergy, caregivers and strangers. (Elderly Abuse: Types, Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Help, (n.d.), p. 10)

Types of Elder Abuse

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) there are seven types of elder abuse. These include physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, financial abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, self neglect and a miscellaneous category which includes "all other types of abuse, including violation of personal right (failing to respect the aging person's dignity and autonomy), medical abuse, and abandonment" (Elder Abuse: Article by Monique I Sellas, MD, (n.d.), p. 1). Physical abuse is when physical force is used that results in injury, impairment or physical pain, or the threat of physical force. This can include shoving, pushing, choking, kicking, force-feeding, hair pulling, inappropriate use of drugs or physical restraints, rough handling during care giving, etc. Emotional abuse can be verbal or nonverbal. The key here is that whatever the action, it causes the elder emotional pain or distress. Examples of emotional abuse are ignoring the elder, yelling or screaming at the elder, threatening to punish or deprive the elder, etc. Financial abuse can include the misuse of the elderly person's money or assets for personal gain. Neglect can either be physical or emotional. Examples include providing inadequate food or water, lack or supervision or monitoring, denial of medical care, denying affection, isolating the elder from the outside world, restricting visitors and phone calls, etc. Sexual abuse is sexual contact with an elder without their permission. This can include coerced nudity, inappropriate touching, etc. Self neglect is behavior by the elder themselves which compromises their own health and safety. Examples include not eating properly, inattention to personal hygiene, not taking needed medications, etc. (Elderly Abuse: Types, Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Help, (n.d.), p. 2-5)