When people think of elder abuse, they commonly think of grandma being bullied in care homes. And while that is true, elder abuse can also be from friends or family or anyone who regularly contacts older adults.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) estimates that 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents occur from a first-degree family member. Two-thirds of perpetrators are adult children or spouses. If the elder depends on their abuser for aspects of their care (or their full care), the relationship can turn manipulative and controlling fast.
I am writing this article because my late father was a victim of elder abuse from his wife and a family friend. The abuse manifested itself as neglect but also financial manipulation.
It wasn’t until after my dad passed that I discovered this information as I began to put pieces together. Because of this, I am pushed to share elder abuse identifiers and resources so that another adult child or extended family never has to experience this! Just because someone is aging and statistically closer to death than a younger person does not mean they do not have value and their life is worthless!
How Frequent Is Elder Abuse?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 1-in-6 elders over 60 will or have experienced abuse while in care. With a shocking 2-in-3 staff members admitting to abusing a resident at some point. The WHO has acknowledged that this is expected to be underestimated as only 1-in-24 cases of abuse actually get reported.
With the population of older adults on the rise, expected to reach 2 billion by 2050, these statistics are likely to increase, causing concern
Spotting The Risk Factors
So what can be done to help protect our elderly?
Keep an eye out for risk factors and educate yourself on the topic. Risk factors for elder abuse are typically broken up into four categories applying to the carer;
● Individual: This is when the caregiver is not equipped to be a caregiver. This can be due to alcoholism, childhood abuse, becoming a caregiver at a young age and resenting authority, not having the correct training, and more. These risk factors can breed hostility towards the elder needing care beyond their control. It suggests the “individual” has personal issues that prevent them from doing a job.
● Relationship: This is where it may be an interpersonal relationship issue that leads to hostility and abuse. For example, if the carer is dependent on the elder financially or shares a living space with them. For example, if the non-disabled person is not satisfied with the relationship or resents the elder, they will become neglectful as “payback.”
● Community: Social isolation is often the norm with elders due to their frailing mobility or diminishing mental capacity. The elder’s community has either been removed or is so small and infrequent that abuse may often go unnoticed as fewer people can readily spot and report abuse.
Examples Of Elder Abuse
According to Berman and Riedell, LLP, elder abuse can come in mental abuse like intimidation, belittlement, and threatening. A verbal example would be telling an elder to “get it themselves” when they cannot walk without pain. Another verbal example would be, “You’re going to die alone,” or “this is why no-one comes to visit you.”
Physical abuse like causing bodily harm such as scratches, bruising, burns, molestation (forced sexual contact), or pressure marks. In some cases, the person may be experiencing both cases of abuse. Abuse of the elderly doesn’t always consist of aggression, intimidation, or physical injury. Below are some examples of abuse.
● Financial abuse: controlling and/or limiting access to their own money, as well as taking it without their knowledge or consent.
● Abandonment or Isolation: Forsaking an elderly patient who is reliant on their carer or limiting and controlling the elder’s ability to communicate with the outside world and/or leave their home (also known as confinement).
● Neglect: failing to provide adequate care, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, or “passive neglect,” like putting a plate out of reach to someone bedridden.
How To Prevent Abuse Of Elders
The best way to prevent elder abuse of a loved one is to thoroughly research any care facilities or organizations that may come into contact with them in residential units and in-home care. It is important to look further than public reviews and company reports.
- You can contact the Adult Protective Services in your county to inquire about any existing or closed cases.
- If a family member is suspected to be the abuser, it is important to voice any concerns to other family members.
- It’s beneficial to ensure regular checkups and social visits with an elderly family member who is receiving care so that any risk factors can be identified and handled immediately.
- If you are an elder and concerned about aging, it’s important to have a plan. I know this may seem scary to face your mortality, but if my dad had a proper plan, many heartaches (and headache) could have been prevented.
- Stay connected — where do you want to live as you age? Who do you want around? Who is the person taking care of you? Why are they doing the work they are doing?
- Keep access to your phone, checks, and credit cards and NEVER give personal information over the phone to people who claim they are related to you. Also, plan for the future by having a will in place. Be aware of your condition. Will you become forgetful? Will you become aggravated? Seek advice from professionals over non-disabled friends and family.
How To Report Elder Abuse In California And The U.S.A
If an elder is suffering abuse, you may begin to notice that they are more withdrawn. They may appear dehydrated and malnourished or act overly fearful around the caregiver. They also may begin to “suddenly” distrust everyone, including you.
If you notice any random bruises or conflicting stories between the elder and the caregiver begin to emerge, this cause for concern. If the elder is the same as my dad, they may be reluctant to ask for help. Some may even think this is God’s way of paying them back for all the things they did in their life. Focus on the abuse that is occurring and research before accusing.
In California, any person in direct contact with an older adult is a mandated reporter and legally required to report abuse — family members, social workers, medical staff, police, and even financial advisors.
If someone is suspected of elder abuse is call 911. Law enforcement will be able to help you assess the situation with qualified first responders.
Once law enforcement has been involved, a report form will need to be filed with the Adult Protective Services (APS). APS will work with law enforcement and other government agencies to cross-reference details of the case and keep elders safe.
NCEA gives elder abuse scenarios and ways to Get Help. You can also visit the Eldercare Locator online or by calling 1–800–677–1116.
Elder abuse is an unfortunate problem that is more common than people like to admit. However, awareness of elder abuse and the indicators leading up to it are key in reducing and eliminating it from our society.
You and your family do not have to be a victim of this horrific crime!! Stay vigilant.
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Previously Published on Medium
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internal image courtesy of author