What is elderly abuse? Elderly abuse occurs when physical,emotional, financial, sexual, or psychological abuse is perpetrated on an elderly individual. As each year falters to an end at least four million elderly American will have experienced some form of abuse (American). Who commits these crimes? Why do they commit them? Do they have long lasting effects? Where is this abuse most likely to occur? All of these questions must be understood to begin the processes of preventing elderly abuse. Elderly has many causes, has long lasting effects, and by taking the right steps can be prevented.
Although elderly abuse does occasionally occur in nursing homes and elderly care facilities its most common place is within our own homes. There are many …show more content…
In order to prevent this abuse steps must be taken. Identifying the elderly going through the abuse is the first major step in prevention. The two levels to this process are identifying elders at risk and helping elders already suffering from abuse. When identifying elders at risk for abuse an individual must consider those must likely to experience it. Stress of the caregiver is a large cause of elderly abuse so the most dependent elderly are at a higher risk for abuse or neglect. The elderly that suffer from mental illnesses, such as Alzheimers, are at the greatest risk for abuse due to the strain their care places on their providers. Special attention should not only be given to those elderly suffering from mental or physical impairments. Fully capable individuals who have mentally disabled family or substance abusers in their household should receive attention as well. Their is a tool called the Elder Abuse Screening Test that can help find individuals not considered high risk. To help elderly individuals already suffering from abuse there are symptoms that should be observed. Once an elder has been considered at risk for abuse symptoms must be substantiated and observed in order to confirm the abuse. There are certain cues that can show whether or not an individual is suffering from abuse and these include the elders appearance, behavior, characteristics, the …show more content…
It is likely to go undetected and effects several individuals every year. Elderly abuse can have major consequences but can be prevented by realizing the signs and knowing when it is most likely to occur. Although it does occasionally occur in nursing homes this is not its most common setting. Elderly abuse is more likely to occur within the elders home. Many things may cause abuse but the leading cause is stress. Often family caretakers do not know how to care for their now frail parents. Rarely abuse is simply a continuation of previous family violence or revenge violence. Financial difficulties can cause stress resulting in elderly abuse as well, especially if the caretaker blames the elder. There are severe and minor consequences to elder abuse. The individual may become fearful, withdrawn, and anxious. They can suffer physical injuries such as bruises or broken bones. If care is withheld they may expire before their time or become prone to new illnesses. Even if removed from the abuse the individual could still suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. There are ways to prevent elder abuse and also know when it is occurring. Physical abuse the victims character and appearance may change. There medical records may show untreated injuries or an increase in injuries. Physical neglect the victim may suffer from sudden weight loss, rashes, bug bites, or bed sores. If a victim is suffering from financial or material
Although elderly abuse does occasionally occur in nursing homes and elderly care facilities its most common place is within our own homes. There are many …show more content…
In order to prevent this abuse steps must be taken. Identifying the elderly going through the abuse is the first major step in prevention. The two levels to this process are identifying elders at risk and helping elders already suffering from abuse. When identifying elders at risk for abuse an individual must consider those must likely to experience it. Stress of the caregiver is a large cause of elderly abuse so the most dependent elderly are at a higher risk for abuse or neglect. The elderly that suffer from mental illnesses, such as Alzheimers, are at the greatest risk for abuse due to the strain their care places on their providers. Special attention should not only be given to those elderly suffering from mental or physical impairments. Fully capable individuals who have mentally disabled family or substance abusers in their household should receive attention as well. Their is a tool called the Elder Abuse Screening Test that can help find individuals not considered high risk. To help elderly individuals already suffering from abuse there are symptoms that should be observed. Once an elder has been considered at risk for abuse symptoms must be substantiated and observed in order to confirm the abuse. There are certain cues that can show whether or not an individual is suffering from abuse and these include the elders appearance, behavior, characteristics, the …show more content…
It is likely to go undetected and effects several individuals every year. Elderly abuse can have major consequences but can be prevented by realizing the signs and knowing when it is most likely to occur. Although it does occasionally occur in nursing homes this is not its most common setting. Elderly abuse is more likely to occur within the elders home. Many things may cause abuse but the leading cause is stress. Often family caretakers do not know how to care for their now frail parents. Rarely abuse is simply a continuation of previous family violence or revenge violence. Financial difficulties can cause stress resulting in elderly abuse as well, especially if the caretaker blames the elder. There are severe and minor consequences to elder abuse. The individual may become fearful, withdrawn, and anxious. They can suffer physical injuries such as bruises or broken bones. If care is withheld they may expire before their time or become prone to new illnesses. Even if removed from the abuse the individual could still suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. There are ways to prevent elder abuse and also know when it is occurring. Physical abuse the victims character and appearance may change. There medical records may show untreated injuries or an increase in injuries. Physical neglect the victim may suffer from sudden weight loss, rashes, bug bites, or bed sores. If a victim is suffering from financial or material