Respect for the elderly has been an important tradition throughout human existence. Typically, families have held the oldest members in the highest of honor until their final days. Sadly, today, prominence of elder abuse and neglect is visible worldwide. Elder abuse is defined as an intentional act, or failure to act, by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult. This issue strays from family separation and is most seen in American society. It is remarkably visible in many nursing homes and care facilities and happens frequently in Oregon. The vast majority of people in Oregon over sixty-five have been or know someone who has been abused or neglected.
…show more content…
The majority of experts give only one tangible concept to fight elder abuse and neglect: prevention. This prevention is seen in a multitude of different tactics. The first tactic is seen in the American Psychological Association’s report on searching for solutions to elder abuse and neglect. This report states that, “Education is the cornerstone of preventing elder abuse” (American Psychological Association). Educating the public can lead to more severe punishment for elder abuse, more interest in protecting the elderly, and possibly a new look at the need for care facilities rather than personal care for family members. Not only this, but a more publicized issue is a less prominent one. Another tactic for prevention is seen in the 2015 Office of Adult Abuse Prevention and investigation Annual Report. This tactic stresses the importance of reporting abuse, both for the elderly and any witness of elderly abuse. The report states that “The suspicion that abuse may be occurring is the first step in protecting vulnerable individuals and preventing future abuse” (Oregon Department of Human Services). This tactic correlates to the tactic of education. By reporting abuse, it is made more public and thus less likely to occur. Also, without reporting it, many people who have previously been abused are likely to again be abused or continually be abused. …show more content…
While many experts say prevention is the most viable solution to these issues, organizations and care facilities are not often capable of doing the necessary deeds to completely diminish them. Without these facilities being able to deal with abuse and neglect, it is up to all people able to support and advocate residents. Without dealing with abuse and neglect in these communities now, they are likely to “march on” and wreak havoc among the foreseeable generations. This possibility of continued abuse and neglect is no problem for those who die before they reach the age of sixty-five, when they are officially considered seniors, or those who are of perfect independant health after that age. For those who do not follow these two outcomes, it is almost completely likely that they will fall prey to or witness abuse and neglect in their final years. While for now it is almost impossible to avoid this inevitable doom, with more funding, more care, and advocacy, facilities may be able to protect the elderly from abuse and neglect and allow those affected to enjoy their final years on Earth. Not only this, but without abuse and neglect, the elderly may be able to participate more fully in society and share more of their experiences with others instead of being tucked away from the rest of the
The majority of experts give only one tangible concept to fight elder abuse and neglect: prevention. This prevention is seen in a multitude of different tactics. The first tactic is seen in the American Psychological Association’s report on searching for solutions to elder abuse and neglect. This report states that, “Education is the cornerstone of preventing elder abuse” (American Psychological Association). Educating the public can lead to more severe punishment for elder abuse, more interest in protecting the elderly, and possibly a new look at the need for care facilities rather than personal care for family members. Not only this, but a more publicized issue is a less prominent one. Another tactic for prevention is seen in the 2015 Office of Adult Abuse Prevention and investigation Annual Report. This tactic stresses the importance of reporting abuse, both for the elderly and any witness of elderly abuse. The report states that “The suspicion that abuse may be occurring is the first step in protecting vulnerable individuals and preventing future abuse” (Oregon Department of Human Services). This tactic correlates to the tactic of education. By reporting abuse, it is made more public and thus less likely to occur. Also, without reporting it, many people who have previously been abused are likely to again be abused or continually be abused. …show more content…
While many experts say prevention is the most viable solution to these issues, organizations and care facilities are not often capable of doing the necessary deeds to completely diminish them. Without these facilities being able to deal with abuse and neglect, it is up to all people able to support and advocate residents. Without dealing with abuse and neglect in these communities now, they are likely to “march on” and wreak havoc among the foreseeable generations. This possibility of continued abuse and neglect is no problem for those who die before they reach the age of sixty-five, when they are officially considered seniors, or those who are of perfect independant health after that age. For those who do not follow these two outcomes, it is almost completely likely that they will fall prey to or witness abuse and neglect in their final years. While for now it is almost impossible to avoid this inevitable doom, with more funding, more care, and advocacy, facilities may be able to protect the elderly from abuse and neglect and allow those affected to enjoy their final years on Earth. Not only this, but without abuse and neglect, the elderly may be able to participate more fully in society and share more of their experiences with others instead of being tucked away from the rest of the