Eighty-two year old June lost her husband a few years ago. As a result of health problems, she moved in with her 53-year-old daughter Terry. It has been difficult for the whole family. The tension mounts as Terry cares for her mother. Terry is also dealing with a teenage son who is having problems in school, and a husband who is in danger of being laid off. Several times, Terry has caught herself screaming at her mother and accusing her of ruining the family’s life. In a fit of anger, she slapped June. June feels frightened, alone, trapped, and worthless.
Victims of elder abuse are often frail and vulnerable and cannot advocate for themselves. Many depend on others to meet their most basic needs. Research suggests that elders who have been abused tend to die earlier than those who are not abused, even in the absence of serious health problems.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, elder abuse may involve one or more of the following:
Physical abuse is willful infliction of physical pain, injury, or restraint. Signs may include:
It is important to note that these symptoms may also occur as a result of health conditions or medicines. If symptoms appear, they should be investigated to determine the cause.
Psychological abuse is the infliction of mental or emotional anguish, such as humiliation, intimidation, or threats. Signs may include:
Sexual abuse is the infliction of nonconsensual sexual contact of any kind. Signs may include:
Financial or material exploitation involves improperly using the resources of an older person without consent for someone else's benefit. Signs may include:
Neglect is the failure of a caretaker to provide goods or services necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness. Neglect may involve abandonment or denial of food or health-related services. Signs of neglect may include:
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, most cases of elder abuse and neglect occur at home. The perpetrators are often family or other household members or paid caregivers.
Though there are extreme cases of elder abuse, most elder abuse is subtle. It is not always easy to tell the difference between normal stress and abuse. Common factors at the root of elder abuse include a stressful caregiving situation, financial problems, family problems, a caregiver’s history of family violence or personal problems, and isolation of the older person.
Elder abuse and neglect can be prevented. Here are some tips from the American Psychological Association:
There are options available for Terry. She can talk to her doctor or contact the local protective service agency for help. With some of the pressure lifted, hopefully she will enjoy the wisdom and comfort that a multi-generational family can bring.
RESOURCES:
National Center on Elder Abuse
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/
US Administration on Aging
http://www.aoa.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
http://www.cnpea.ca/
Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
http://www.onpea.org/
References:
Elder abuse and neglect: in search of solutions. American Psychological Association website. Available at: http://www.apa.org/pi/aging/eldabuse.html . Accessed June 16, 2008.
Edler abuse—work in progress. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated August 2009. Accessed April 14, 2010.
Elder rights and resources: elder abuse. US Administration on Aging website. Available at:
http://www.aoa.gov
. Updated June 2008. Accessed June 16, 2008.
Major types of elder abuse. National Center on Elder Abuse website. Available at: http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/NCEAroot/Main_Site/FAQ/Basics/Types_Of_Abuse.aspx . Updated November 2007. Accessed June 16, 2008.
Last reviewed April 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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