Elder Abuse Essay

With the population expanding with people over sixty this brings an increased hidden problem of elder abuse and neglect. Abuse and neglect of the elderly manifests itself in many forms, with physical abuse being the most visible one. Abuse can fall into several areas; such as physical, sexual, emotional/psychological, and emotional. Neglect on the other hand is also abuse, but usually not as visible as the prior. Elder abuse is a form of violence that is absolutely deplorable in today’s society. Effective interventions and awareness can break the patterns of abuse and neglect on our ever-increasing older generation by their caregivers. Regardless of the harm that is done to our older generations, whether it is seen or not, we as a society
Physical abuse can appear as an outwardly form, and the not so prevalent inwardly mental form. Visible physical abuse can include hitting, beating, pushing, and burning. Visible indicators of physical abuse are cuts, abrasions, and bruises-especially around the back of arms and neck. An example of elder abuse could be when a caregiver, who is upset with an elderly person repeatedly bumps that person with the vacuum cleaner. Inconspicuous physical abuse is manifested differently and includes misuse of medications and use of restraints. Comparatively a usually unseen type of physical abuse presents itself in the form of emotional/psychological harm. This can range from name calling to verbal threats upon the person. “Pain, anguish, or distress incurred by another person's detached or dehumanizing behaviors, such as threats, verbal assaults, intimidation, humiliation, or ridicule, are considered as emotional abuse”( Lin, M., & Giles, H. (2013)). For example, the caregiver being upset with the elderly person will not engage in conversation with him, giving him the so called silent treatment. Lastly, financial abuse and exploitation of the elderly by a caregiver or family member is also a common occurrence. This type of abuse includes unusual activity involving investment accounts, bank accounts, falsified signatures on checks, and
Neglect of an elderly person is the failure to provide the necessities that the person may need in order to maintain an acceptable and healthy lifestyle. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “Neglect is the failure or refusal of a caregiver or other responsible person to provide for an elder’s basic physical, emotional, or social needs, or failure to protect them from harm” (2015). Examples include not providing adequate nutrition, hygiene, clothing, shelter, or access to necessary health care; or failure to prevent exposure to unsafe activities and environments. For instance, the elderly person is unable to prepare meals for himself and depends on a caregiver to provide much needed nourishment. The caregiver arrives three hours past her scheduled appointment time and since the patient is diabetic he has had a diabetic