Recognizing and Preventing Abuse of the Elderly
How to Protect Senior Citizens From Neglect and Abuse
Oct 4, 2009
According to the American Psychological Association, each year approximately 2.1 million elderly adults fall victim to some type of abuse. Contrary to what is seen on the evening news, most elder abuse does not occur in nursing homes, but in the private homes of elderly people by a spouse, family member, housemate or hired caregiver.
What is Elder Abuse?
There are several types of elder abuse: Physical violence including force-feeding, inappropriate drugs, use of restraints or confinement; emotional/psychological including yelling, insults, harassment, isolation, humiliation, repeated blaming, ignoring the elderly person, isolation, terrorizing or menacing; sexual abuse; neglect; abandonment; health care fraud by doctors, nurses or hospital personnel; and financial exploitation.
What are the Signs of Elder Abuse?
General signs of elder abuse, according to Help Guide, are a change in the demeanor or behavior of the elderly person, and a change in the relationship between the elderly person and his caregiver such as frequent arguments or increased tension. An accumulation of the following signs also indicate elder abuse:
- Physical abuse: Unexplained injuries (bruises, scars, welts); broken bones or dislocations; drug overdose or repeated episodes of failure to take medication; signs of restraint like rope burns on wrists or ankles; a caregiver who will not leave his or her charge alone with others.
- Sexual abuse: Venereal disease; infections of the genitalia; vaginal or anal bleeding; marks or bruises around breasts or genitalia; stained, bloody or torn underwear.
- Emotional abuse: A caregiver who demonstrates threatening or controlling behavior toward his or her elderly patient; signs of dementia-like behavior in the elderly person such as sucking, mumbling or rocking back-and-forth.
- Financial exploitation: Unusual activity in the elderly person's bank account; missing household items; changes in wills, attorneys or insurance policies; unpaid bills; lack of necessary medical care or medication; purchases that the elderly person would not make.
- Healthcare fraud: Signs of over- or under-medication; duplicate billings; inadequate care; poorly run and kept facilities; unprofessional staff.
- Signs of neglect: Unsanitary or unsafe living conditions; bedsores; dirty clothes; unexplained weight loss; malnutrition; dehydration; improper clothing; lack of supervision.
What Risk Factors Contribute to Abuse of the Elderly?
Caregivers who are stressed, depressed, abuse drugs or alcohol, who have a history of domestic violence or who are victims of abuse are more likely to abuse an elderly charge. Further, a situation in which the elderly person and the caregiver are isolated together for long periods of time may raise the risk for abuse.
Who is Most Vulnerable to Elder Abuse?
While not an excuse for abuse, according to Help Guide certain factors relating to the elderly person could put him at higher risk for abuse. These include the severity of the elder's illness or dementia, a tendency to be physically or verbally aggressive, and a history as an abusive spouse or parent.
How Can Elder Abuse be Prevented?
According to Help Guide, the best way to prevent elder abuse is to educate oneself and others on how to recognize it, listen to and closely observe elderly people and their caregivers, and intervene if abuse is suspected.
What Should Be Done if Elder Abuse is Suspected?
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), Adult Protective Services (APS) is, in most states, the public agency that responds to and provides assistance in elder abuse cases. Otherwise, contact the local police or sheriff's office.
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