PSY 605 week 5 discussion 1

There are many elder adults that are abused in one way or another. There are many ways that an elder can be abused. Physically, Mentally, financially, and neglection. “Elder abuse is a growing societal concern, affecting at least 1 in 10 older Americans. Researchers and practitioners alike consistently assert that a dramatic discrepancy exists between the prevalence rates of elder abuse and the number of elder abuse cases reported” (Busby, F. 2010, p.1). Although abuse can happen in adults ages 60-69 it can happen all the way up to the age of 75.

There are many elderly adults that are abused in their own homes by family and friend’s relatives. Even in old folk’s homes and assisted living elder abuse has been reported. If an elderly person is suspected of being abused, it should be reported immediately to the authorities. It is very important that you speak up. Learn how to tell if an elder person is being abused.

The frailer an elder gets physically, the less they can stand up for themselves or fight back if they are being bullied. Because of their ability to see and hear, an elder can be taken advantage of by dishonest people. Sometimes the mental and physical ailments of an elder person can wear on a caregiver, but they must never lose their temper with them. “Elder abuse is a growing societal concern, affecting at least 1 in 10 older Americans. Researchers and practitioners alike consistently assert that a dramatic discrepancy exists between the prevalence rates of elder abuse and the number of elder abuse cases reported” (Roberto 2016, p.1).

Many elderly people are abused around the world in some way mainly by people who are their designated care givers. Reports of abuse to elderly people in America alone, total to more than half million cases and more than that go unreported. I hate to think that the elderly generation is abused. If it was not for them we would not be here. We can learn so much from the elderly. If I had to have someone take care of my grandmother, I would have cameras installed in every room of my house and film everything that is going on. Not everyone wants to believe their elderly family member is being abused, but it does happen.

If you suspect someone of being abused then you need to call the APS. If the person themselves can know what is going on, then they need to call the abuse hotline and report their abuser. “If an elderly is capable and they are being abused they can call an abuse hotline” (Busby, 2010, p.1).Also before a senior goes into a nursing home the senior or the family member needs to make sure the staff is highly trained on how to recognize elder abuse.

Resources

Busby, F. (2010). A Nation-Wide Elder and Handicapped Abuse Help-Line Network-Call Us and Stamp Out Abuse Now. Ageing International

Roberto, K. A. (2016). The complexities of elder abuse. The American Psychologist, (4), 302. Retrieved from https://library.ashford.edu/ezproxy.aspx?url=http%3A//search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true%2526AuthType=ip,cpid%2526custid=s8856897%2526db=cmedm%2526AN=27159437%2526site=ehost-live