Elderly Mistreatment

One major problem that the elderly population often face that goes unnoticed is elderly abuse. Elderly mistreatment or abuse can be defined as acting negligently towards an elder who is otherwise vulnerable (Hooyman, Kawamoto, & Kiyak, 2015, pg 213). Elderly abuse is considered a major social problem often faced by older adults because it often goes unreported, and the victims are often times elderly and are in an increased state of vulnerability (Hooyman et al., 2015, pg 213), often in assisted living facilities, where they are isolated from their family and friends (Penhale, 2010). While there is a problem with the reporting of elder abuse, about one percent of cases are reported (Halphen, Varas, Sadowsky, 2009), one study has estimated …show more content…
For example, if a daughter is caring for her elderly mother, she may neglect to care for her so that she will become weaker, in order to receive inheritance money faster. It occurs with both informal and formal caretakers (Halphen et al., 2009). Elder abuse often is reported in the form of neglect (Hooyman et al., 2015, pg 214)., so that would include things such as withholding medications from them, not feeding them properly and sufficiently, or simply any act that is knowingly causing the victim to suffer (Hooyman et al., 2015, pg …show more content…
It can happen to any older adult that is dependent on another for care, but there are characteristics or traits that increase one’s likelihood of being victimized (Penhale, 2010). Abusers often act this way towards elders as a means of expressing other situations within their lives (Hooyman et al., 2015, pg 213). The problem often being underreported (Halphen et al., 2009), it can be hard to set up intervention plans, but having a more informed society can lead to reduction in abuse and neglect (Peri et al., 2009) which is the ultimate goal, to slow down or minimalize the damage of the