Every year ,millions of elderly people fall victim to physical, emotional or other types of abuse. Many seniors are unable to report these abuses due to fear of retaliation. Some are unable to communicate due to disability or illness. Most often, the abuse occurs where the senior lives, and it usually comes from a family member who is caregiving for them.
Definition and Types of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is the act of physical, emotional, psychological or even financial harm to a senior. Physical abuse can include pushing, hitting, kicking or restraining. It can also involve refusing to feed the senior and over- or under-medicating them. An elder who has been abused emotionally or psychologically may have insults or teasing directed at them or may be intimidated. Sexual abuse can also occur. Financial abuse can come in the form of misuse of funds when a caregiver has power of attorney or from outside scam artists.
Why Abuse Happens by Family Members
There is never a valid excuse for elder abuse, but there are many factors involved in how and why it happens. A caregiver often feels overwhelmed when he or she takes on the responsibility of caring for an elder. It becomes much more difficult to socialize outside of the home. The caregiver may not have the skills needed to properly care for the loved one and may suffer "caregiver burnout." The family caregiver may have old personal issues with a parent or grandparent in his or her care and may harbor resentment. The caregiver may also have an alcohol or drug abuse issue.
Why Abuse Happens by Outside Caregivers
A person hired by the family to care for an elder or an employee of a facility the elder has been placed in may become abusive. Sometimes, especially if the senior has Alzheimer's disease or dementia, the caregiver may have difficulty getting the person to cooperate with tasks he or she is trying to perform, leading to resentment for the client. The caregiver may be stressed due to long hours and a small salary or may have alcohol or drug abuse problems as well.
Why Abuse Happens by Scammers
Dishonest sales people, health care companies, financial managers and even physicians can abuse an elder financially. An elder who lives alone can be a target of someone with a deal that seems too good to be true. Allowing someone else to keep an eye on their finances can leave them in a vulnerable position. And health care companies can send duplicate bills, which an unsuspecting person may pay again and again.
What Can Be Done to Avoid Abuse
If you are a family caregiver for an elder, make sure that you have a support network. Keep in contact with other family members and friends and ask for help before you really need it. Outside caregivers should be monitored. Make sure background checks are available on any privately hired employees and those in care facilities. Seniors should keep in close touch with their financial institutions or find a trustworthy person who will help to keep them safe from scammers.
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