Elder abuse is a silent epidemic, with seniors facing a staggering 300% increased risk of death compared to their peers. 
The financial impact is equally severe; abuse costs the health care system $5.3 billion and the victims $2.9 billion annually; but there are things we can do to help prevent it.

Types of Abuse

First thing, we need to do is define abuse and neglect, in this case we are talking specifically about types of abuse that affect our senior population.

• Physical

Defined as:  intentional physical acts that cause bodily harm, including but not limited to striking, kicking, or hitting that results in injury

Things to look for: Bruising, bleeding or open wounds, broken bones or multiple ER trips in a short period. Also, burns, dislocated joints, signs of self-harm or unexplained hair or tooth loss.

• Mental, emotional or psychological

Defined as: Screaming or yelling, berating, or humiliation threats. If someone is limiting or cutting off resources (or threatening to), isolating, or terrorizing.

Things to look for: Appearing depressed, withdrawn, or scared. If the victim avoids eye contact, there are changes in eating or sleeping patterns, unusual low self-esteem, or mood swings

• Neglect 

Defined as: When a caregiver fails to protect an elder from harm or meet an elder’s needs in a way that results in or could potentially cause serious injury. It is not an honest accident — it is carelessness and/or a lack of regard for the wellbeing of an elder.

(This is the most common type of abuse.)

Things to look for: uncleanliness, sudden unexplained weight loss, malnutrition, and untreated physical conditions such as bed sores.

• Financial

Defined as: Theft, fraud, or misuse of a person's assets. The use of undue influence to gain control of money or property in a fraudulent way.

Things to look for: Missing money from the elder's bank or investments, and/or an individual showing too much interest in the elder's financial situation. ATM withdrawals the elder could not have made, eviction notices or unpaid bills. Lack of food in the house, missing possessions, or a change in mood or demeanor.

• Elder Abandonment

Defined as: When someone who assumed care of an elderly person intentionally deserts them.

Things to look for: Appearing confused, lost, scared, lonely, or depressed. If they appear frail, malnourished, dehydrated or have poor hygiene.

 

• Sexual Abuse

Defined as: The forced or unwanted sexual interaction of any kind with an older adult. This includes contact with someone who is mentally disabled which prevents them from consenting.

Things to look for: Bleeding, bruising from the anus or genitals. Panic attacks, problems walking or sitting. Social or emotional withdrawal, new sexually transmitted diseases, or suicide attempts.

• Self-Neglect

Defined as: When an elderly person can no longer meet his or her basic daily needs and doesn't make arrangements to get those needs met by others. (This is perhaps the most overlooked type of abuse.)

Things to look for: poor hygiene, dirty clothes, lack of food in the house, bedsores, unclean or unsafe home, dehydration or unexplained weight loss, untreated injuries or infections, unpaid bills.

Why Does Abuse Happen??

"The reasons are numerous and complicated, needless to say there is some type of breakdown in a relationship. It could be between family members, between the elder and a hired aide or a decrease in mental capacity or resources of the elder.

 

Within the family, reasons can include members have a way of relating to each other that is generally hostile and non-nurturing. Other reasons could include adult children having been abused by their parents. There could be unresolved family conflicts, or the family may have a history of wife abuse which carries on into old age.

Other Contributing Factors

Dependence: Where the elder person becomes dependent on family members for assistance.

Stress: when there are too many demands and too few resources. This stress can be slow to build and the caregiver may not recognize what is I have said it at least once on this website and I will say it again; if you are a family caregiver don't go it alone, it is a recipe for disaster. Make sure you are getting breaks, and caring for yourself first; get help!! that is the only way you can be a good caregiver to another occurring until it is too late.

Addictions (Alcohol, drugs or gambling) can lead to the break-down of a person’s ability to cope and function appropriately. These addictions can often lead to the financial, psychological and physical abuse of others.

 

Ageism or lack of knowledge is a prejudicial view of older adults, whether intentional or not, it can occur as a result of ignorance surrounding the aging process and the needs of elderly people.

 

PREVENTION

I have said it at least once on this website and I will say it again; if you are a family caregiver don't go it alone, it is a recipe for disaster. Make sure you are getting breaks and caring for yourself first. Get help!! that is the only way you can be a good caregiver to another.
The other way is to speak up. If you suspect something, if you see something in an elder that was listed above, speak up. I realize if it is friend or family it can make it super awkward (I've been there more than once!!) but it is better that you speak up and be wrong and make amends, than to allow a really bad situation to continue (I've been in both).

A couple personal examples.......
Many years ago, I had a client that was abusing a family member. Even though the abused was not elderly, I did the only think I of and according to my duty as an aide; I reported it, to my boss. It was investigated and I believe nothing came of it, but it was a bit awkward the next time I went to visit her. She was certain it was another aide within the company. It was really hard knowing it was me and not feeling like I couldn't say anything. I let my boss know what the client said about suspecting another aide so hoping that aide would never be sent into that situation.
Knowing I did everything I could, I continued to help her until she passed.

I also had a neglect situation involving a personal contact. When we visited, we did our best to ascertain exactly what her wishes were, and she clearly indicated she did not want to leave. Her voice was failing, but her mind was all there, you have to respect that. After consulting with a social worker within my agency I did not push the issue. I wish so much that I could have done more for her, but her wishes were honored, that has to be enough.

Clearly it is not always black and white. The best advice I can give is listen to your gut, it is rarely wrong. If it is screaming, listen!

 

Conclusion

Elder abuse is a serious issue that affects countless seniors and their families. By recognizing the signs of abuse and understanding the various forms it can take, we can work together to protect our loved ones and foster a safe environment for all seniors. If you suspect abuse, don’t hesitate to speak up—your voice could make a difference. Remember, caregiving is a shared responsibility, and seeking support for yourself is crucial in ensuring you can provide the best care for others.

 

Questions:

• How do you think cultural attitudes towards aging and elder care influence the prevalence of elder abuse in different communities?

• What systemic changes do you believe are necessary to address the root causes of elder abuse effectively?
• Have you encountered situations involving elder abuse or neglect? Did you report it? why or why not? (No judgement here) Please share your stories in the comments below; together, we can make a positive impact. Thank you for taking the time to learn about this vital issue.

 

Comment below!

Many thanks to the
www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com and www.edmontonpolice.ca/