Elder abuse is a prevalent issue where the elderly are physically, emotionally, or financially exploited. It is often committed by family members and can occur in nursing homes or hospitals. Elderly vulnerability and caregiver emotional states contribute to abuse, and signs may include unexplained injuries or sudden financial insecurity.
Elder abuse is a tragic phenomenon in which members of the elderly population are physically or emotionally abused and/or financially exploited. Abuse includes any form of neglect, neglect, sexual abuse, or any other situation that causes harm to an individual. Statistics show that elder abuse is most often committed by family members. However, it is also prevalent in nursing homes, adult day care centers, and hospitals. It is estimated that over five million Americans have experienced elder abuse.
Like children, the elderly are often very vulnerable. Medical conditions that render sufferers unable to fully care for themselves, and impaired decision-making and communication, put older adults at risk of elder abuse. Dementia, for example, can be frustrating for healthcare workers, causing them to have seizures and harm older people. A history of domestic abuse can also get worse as the victim gets older and more helpless.
There are many reasons why domestic elder abuse occurs. A caregiver’s emotional state can have a large impact on the quality of care she is able to provide. Impatience, resentment, depression, or an aggressive personality can exacerbate the tremendous stress caring for another creates. Lack of knowledge about proper health care or general ignorance can also be a source of neglect or neglect and thus a contributing factor to elder abuse.
In vocational institutions, the same factors may exist that contribute to domestic elder abuse. Additionally, mismanagement issues such as overcrowding and unqualified staff can contribute to elder abuse. An older person’s impaired health and mental faculties can hamper the likelihood of elder abuse being reported by the victim. Some abusers take advantage of this condition, assuming they won’t get caught.
Signs of elder abuse may or may not be obvious. Most noticeable, in the case of physical abuse, is the appearance of unexplained bruising, bed sores, lack of basic hygiene, or any injury or ailment that cannot be medically explained. Exploitation is often characterized by a sudden drop in financial security. Less obvious signs of elder abuse may be depression, isolation or an increase in disagreements and belittling by caregivers.
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