|
Understanding Elder Abuse
Elder abuse may be defined as harm to an older person caused by someone in a position of trust
who has control over the victim. Elder abuse is increasingly being recognized. Approximately 4% of seniors in Canadian private dwellings (98,000) reported being abused in a 1990 study. Abuse may come in the form of physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse or neglect.
Approximately 12,000 seniors in Canada experience physical abuse. Psychological abuse affects approximately 34,000 elderly Canadians. Financial abuse is the most prevalent type of abuse, affecting 60,000 senior Canadians. In the majority of cases of physical abuse, the abusers are most likely to be a spouse or a family member.
Why Don't We Know About It
Abused seniors are often dependent on their abusers for constant care and may be socially isolated from other support systems. Abused seniors sometimes have a diminished cognizance ability and they may have some physical disability which leaves them vulnerable to abuse. Most importantly, they are under the control or influence of the abuser and are unwilling to report the abuse to others.
Reasons Why Seniors Don't Report Abuse
- Afraid and/or ashamed.
- Lack of awareness of signs of abuse.
- Lack of media attention.
- Afraid of receiving no help.
- Fear of retaliation or jeopardizing their levels of care.
In cases of abuse where a family member is involved, especially a child, it is a tremendous blow of embarrassment to the senior. This type of public exposure can be very painful to an elder's self-esteem.
Types of Abuse and Neglect
Physical abuse - The affliction of pain, discomfort or injury:
- assault (i.e. cutting, burning, slapping, pinching, shaking, punching, pushing, kicking etc.)
- sexual assault of any kind
- exposure to temperatures that are dangerous
- forcible or involuntary confinement (i.e. strapped to a bed or chair)
- under or over-medicating
Psychological abuse - The affliction of anguish or psychological pain:
- humiliation or dehumanization (i.e. being forced to beg)
- intimidation and/or threats
- imposing social isolation (i.e., not being allowed visitors or phone calls)
- verbal abuse
- withholding love
- removal of decision making powers
- threats of abandonment or institutionalization
- removal of loved possession or pets
Financial abuse - Illegal or unethical exploitation of money, property or assets:
- forgery of a signature
- misuse of money, possessions or property
- withholding pension or insurance cheques
- stealing an older person's possessions while in care facilities
Neglect - Active neglect is the intentional failure to provide the necessities of life. Active neglect includes inadequately providing nutrition, proper hygiene, proper clothes, safety or medical care. Passive neglect is the failure to give proper care because of lack of knowledge.
Recognizing Signs of Abuse and Neglect
Victims of financial abuse and neglect are usually widowed and living alone. Victims of physical and psychological abuse are usually married and living with the abuser.
Physical signs are:
- unexplained injuries
- bruising in the genital areas
- clothes in poor condition
- malnutrition or dehydration
- pain, bleeding
The abused senior appears to be afraid, nervous, depressed, guilty and passive. They suffer from low self-esteem, low self-determination and often portray protectiveness towards the abuser. Abusers will often make attempts not to treat or hospitalize the victim. They will avoid physical, verbal and visual contact with the victim. They provide contradictory medical details and may seem to be defensive or evasive when questioned.
Preventative Tips for Seniors
- Elderly people should participate in social activities as much as possible with friends instead of family members.
- Maintain independence for as long as possible.
- It is unwise to bequeath a house or other possessions to relatives on the strength of the relative's promise "to look after you".
- In some families, there may be a younger relative who cannot cope with the frustrations in his/her life. If the elderly parent agrees to let them share the home, it may lead to elder abuse. It would be better for the vulnerable elderly parent to avoid close daily contact with this troubled adult and refuse to share a home.
- Elderly persons should select a family physician who is trustworthy, concerned and prepared to get to know the senior. It is better to find one good physician than to use a number of different ones from time to time.
Elder abuse is not a new phenomenon. Increased training and proper education will give the potential ability to recognize the warning signs of senior abuse.
|
Site design by WoodRidge Data Solutions Inc. Brockville, ON