In the U.S., one out of every ten Americans aged 60+ has suffered from abuse. Although elderly abuse is more common than most people realize, many are unaware of the warning signs.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you must understand the different types of elder abuseHarmful acts toward an older person, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, exploitation, negl... and how to recognize the warning signs. Continue reading to learn how to identify and prevent this issue.
An older person is abused when an expectation of trustA fiduciary arrangement that allows a third party, or trustee, to hold assets on behalf of a benefic... causes harm or distress to them by a single or repeated act or by a lack of appropriate action. This kind of violence is a violation of human rights. According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
Elder abuse is a complex issue that can manifest itself in various ways. It is crucial for the elderly and their loved ones to be aware of all types of elder abuse. They can use this knowledge to prevent abuse before it causes serious harm.
The intentional use of force against an elderly person is referred to as physical elder abuse. Hitting, shoving, kicking, or physically restraining an older adult are some examples of physical elderly abuse. Signs of this kind of elder abuse include:
If an elderly person you care about is injured, ask caregivers how the injury occurred and whether it's being treated immediately. Any uncertainty could indicate that the injury was a result of physical abuse.
Forced or non-consensual sexual contact with an older adult is considered elder sexual abuse. This includes sexual interactions with elderly people with dementiaA chronic disorder characterized by a decline in cognitive function beyond what might be expected fr..., Alzheimer's disease, or other cognitive disabilities that prevent them from giving consent. Signs of elderly sexual abuse include:
Anyone, including nursing homeA facility for the residential care of elderly or disabled people, where nursing care and supervisio... staff, residents, in-home caregivers, friends, and family members, can sexually abuse an elderly person.
Psychological and emotional abuse are intentional acts that cause mental pain, fear, or distress to an older adult. Symptoms of emotional elder abuse include:
Emotional and psychological changes frequently accompany other forms of elder abuse, such as physical harm or neglect.
In elder abandonment, a caretaker intentionally abandons a senior. It is often associated with neglect. Without formal arrangements, the former caregiverAn individual who provides care to someone who needs help with daily tasks and activities due to chr... may abandon the elderly in a hospital, nursing home, or another care facility. Symptoms of elderly abandonment include:
Elder financial abuseIllegal or improper use of a senior's funds, property, or assets. refers to the illegal, unauthorized, or improper use of an elderly person's assets. This type of abuse can be done by nursing home staff, family, or even strangers. Signs of financial elder abuse include:
Every year, financial abuse costs seniors an estimated $2.9 billion. It is the most frequently reported type of elder abuse.
When a caregiver fails to protect an elderly person from harm, it can result in serious injuries or illnesses. In nursing homes and elderly care facilities, incidents of neglect are not unintentional. They result from carelessness or a disregard for an elderly person's health. Signs of elder neglect include:
Neglect can result in serious health issues such as bedsores, sepsisA potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to an infection, which can le..., and even death.
When elderly people cannot meet their basic daily needs, they suffer from self-neglect. Signs of self-neglect include:
Many older adults have difficulty letting go of their independence or admitting that they may be unable to care for themselves.
Knowing the warning signs of abuse can help prevent elder abuse. Listening to your loved ones is another thing that can help stop elder abuse. Make them feel safe and at ease when speaking with you.
Furthermore, if your loved one is in a nursing home, conduct a thorough investigation into the facility and its caregivers. Perform a professional background check if possible.
Other than most abusers having a relationship with their victims, there is no profile for an elder abuser. The most common perpetrators are family members and caregivers. While abuse can occur anywhere, it typically occurs in the victim's home or a nursing facility.
Here are a few questions most people ask about elder abuse among seniors.
The elderly are more likely to report financial exploitation than emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. However, according to the NCEA, the most common type of elder abuse is psychological abuse.
The most common signs of elder abuse can revolve around withholding physical, emotional, and social needs and not providing sufficient food, medication, and proper care.
Elder abuse can affect an older adult in a number of physical and emotional ways. Victims experience anxiety and fear. They could struggle with trust and be suspicious of others. Numerous victims sustain bodily wounds.
Elder abuse is more than just random physical violence against the elderly. Abuse of the elderly can manifest itself in a variety of ways. It can occur overtly or covertly, slowly or quickly. Psychological abuse is the most common type of elder abuse.
However, elder abuse can happen in many ways, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial. Any suspected abuse of your elderly loved ones should be reported to the authorities.
