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Abuse on the Elderly
USA Today, January 30, 2001
What Is It?
Elder abuse is the maltreatment or neglect of dependent older people. It
can be passive neglect, psychological abuse, financial abuse, active
neglect, or physical abuse. Except in the instance of passive abuse, which
is not intentionally caused and arises when a caregiver is overworked or
under-informed, elder abuse is a deliberate act of a hostile perpetrator.
Unlike children, the elderly are responsible for themselves unless they
are declared incompetent. Yet many are frail, dependent, and vulnerable,
and as such, subject to abuse. Elder abuse cuts across gender, class, race
and age lines. In sixty percent of elder abuse cases, the abusers are
spouses; twenty percent are adult children; and twenty percent are
siblings, grandchildren, boarders, and caregivers.
Often, in cases in passive neglect, tensions from complicated, conflicted
or unresolved family relationships result in neglect. Occasionally,
caregivers and family members find themselves stressed by the
responsibility and thus become neglectful.
In more active forms of abuse, there is actual intent to inflict harm or
deprivation on the older person. In many cases, the caregiver is motivated
to abuse by his own greed or wish to exploit his charge. Or he may become
increasingly resentful of his situation and his responsibility
What your doctor looks for
In an older person: increased depression and unresponsiveness, anxiety,
withdrawal and/or timidity; uncharacteristic confusion and hostility
towards others; new poverty or unexplained loss of resources; longing for
death or "an end to it all;" vague health complaints, insomnia,
or psychosomatic symptoms.
In caregivers: mounting resentment against older person or the situation;
aggressive and/or defensive behavior toward others; preoccupation and/or
depression; shifting blame and excusing own failure.
Treatment
Intervening in cases of elder abuse means locating the resources that
provide protection and health care for the older segment of our population
in a timely and ongoing manner. Many times, finding such resources begins
with a call to the local protective services agency. Or you can call the
National Elder Abuse Hotline to find out what social, legal, and criminal
recourse is available: 1-800-992-1660.In some communities, local
hospitals, medical schools, universities, and mental health centers
provide resources specially tailored to the needs of the elderly. Also, if
possible, finding a geriatric physician or psychiatrist, who is trained in
recognizing disturbances and susceptibilities particular to the elderly is
often helpful. Geriatric clinicians will likely be able to distinguish
between fear arising from actual life circumstances and those arising from
anxiety disorders, clinical depression, and dementia. They will be able to
review any medication the individual is taking and consider any undue
side-effects. Because they have a better understanding of the factors that
are specific to old age, geriatric specialists are more likely to
understand the nature and severity of abuse.
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