Elder Abuse and Neglect

Introduction

Most elders get abuse in their homes, in the home of their relatives, and in the facilities taking care of them. The elderly physically frail and can hardly fight back when attacked.They may not hear well or see or even think clearly.The different types of elder abuse include emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and neglect or abandonment.

Physical abuse

Refers to non-accidental use of force against elderly people.This results in injury, physical pain, or impairment. This abuse includes physical assault and inappropriate use of restraints, drugs, or confinement.

Emotional pain

Involves intimidation through threats or yelling Also includes ridicule and humiliationAlso involves scapegoating or blamingThere are non-verbal forms of emotional abuse that include ignoring the person, isolating the elderly, and menacing or terrorizing the elderly person.

Sexual abuse

Involves having sexual contact with the elderly person without his or her consent. It can entail physical sex acts, showing pornographic materials to the elderly, or watching the elderly individual to watch sex acts. This kind of abuse can also involve forcing the elderly person to undress.

Financial exploitation

Entails unauthorized use of the elderly’s property or funds by a caregiver. The unscrupulous caregiver can misuse personal checks, accounts, or credit cards of the elderly person. The caregiver may steal income checks, cash, or household commodities. The caregiver may also engage I identity theft of forge the signature of the elder.

References

National Research Council (U.S.)., Bonnie, R. J., & Wallace, R. B. (2003). Elder mistreatment: Abuse, neglect, and exploitation in an aging America. Washington (D.C.: National Academies Press.White, B. S., & Truax, D. (2007). The nurse practitioner in long-term care: Guidelines for clinical practice.