Criminology

There are many types of abuse that occur in nursing homes, even though many do not even realize what all could be classified as abuse. When hearing abuse what is probably most thought of is physical abuse. It was reported that for elderly women with

B., Resnick, H. S., Muzzy, W., Kilpatrick, D. G., Hernandez, M. A., & Steve, K. (2010). Prevalence and correlates of emotional, physical, sexual, and financial Abuse and potential neglect in the united states: The national elder mistreatment Study. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 292-297.doi 10.2105/ajph.2009.163089

One way elder abuse or elder mistreatment can be defined is, “intentional actions that cause harm or create a serious risk of harm, whether or not intended, to a vulnerable elder by a caregiver or other person who stands in a trust relationship to the elder” (Bonnie & Wallace). There are seven main forms of elder abuse which include emotional, physical, psychological, sexual, financial, neglect, abandonment, and self-neglect (Cohen, Levin, Gagin & Friedman, 2007; Fulmer, 2008; Thompson & Priest, 2005). Even though only 6.2% of victims are abused in long-term care settings, my experience of witnessing neglect and abandonment are very serious (Teaster et al., 2006).

With medical and technological advances, the United State’s life expectancy continues to increase, leading to an improved number of elderly individuals. As a nursing student, who worked at a nursing home for three years in high school, I am quite familiar with elderly abuse, especially institutional abuse. Prior to this discussion post, I persisted more familiar with the types of elderly abuse, rather than the incidence rates within the United States. To clarify this discussion post, elderly abuse stands 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” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016). The risk of harm to an older adult subsisted evident in an institutional setting, from my work experience. While I cannot disclose that the nurses physically, sexually, or financially abused the residents, I am aware of the neglect and emotional abuse the occurred in this setting. The abuse that occurs to elderly individuals stems for two triggers – caregiver stress and the vulnerability of the elder. According to the textbook, “Exhaustion and anger can reach a boiling point and can create intergenerational conflicts” (Olson, DeFrain, & Skogrand, 2014, p. 383). When caregivers acquire stress, they tend to take out their aggression on the elder, intentionally or unintentionally, as they remain overwhelmed with emotions. Personally, I

It’s hard to say that this type of abuse is only happening in low income area when in fact like most domestic violence cases income level is not a guideline. Elder abuse which is also refer to as elder mistreatment, abuse in later life, this abuse is usually done by a family member, however, it can be anyone that is close to the senior. Abuse can take place in senior facilities such as long-term nursing facilities. Elder abuse includes harms by people the older person knows, or have a relationship with, such as a spouse, partner or family member, a friend or neighbor, or people that the older person relies on for services. Paid caregivers have also been known to prey on their elderly patients. Some families may keep an elderly

The aging population is at high risk of being taken advantage of and mistreated by a caregiver or family member. Elders are the most vulnerable group of people and are subject to elder abuse in their later years of life. The Administration of Aging refers to elder abuse as the knowing, intentional, or negligent act that causes harm or serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Every year, hundreds of thousands of older adults are abused, neglected, and exploited. Unfortunately, a trusted caregiver or a loved one commits most of these heinous acts.

Elder abuse is a growing problem that can be a challenge to address. Physical, emotional, and financial abuse is associated with increased mortality rates, especially in those that are alone. The National center on Elder Abuse (as cited in Hoover & Polson, 2014) defines elder abuse as “intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or ‘trusted’ individual that lead to or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder”. Mistreatment of older adults will incline as the number of adults that need caregivers increase. The elder adult that is the most susceptible to abuse is most likely frail, defenseless, and cognitively impaired. Amidst all other problems, the older adult has encountered at least one type of abuse in their later years. Many cases of older adult abuse are not reported and the abuse continues until mortality.

According to the American Psychological Association there are seven types of elders abuse. Physical, sexual, emotional, financial/material exploitation, neglect, abandonment, and self-neglect (APA, 2017).

Other at-risk groups include people who are socially isolated and people with mental impairments or dementia. While protecting the victim is of the utmost importance, it is vital to not forget the abuser because they are affected as well. Since most abuse happens at home by family members, that is who I am referring to as the abuser. The stresses of caregiving can be overwhelming. While elder abuse is never an acceptable response to any problem, no matter how stressful, many people who are thrust into the role of caregiving can find themselves ill-equipped for it. At its most innocent stage, a caregiver 's unintentional failure to provide proper care and support because of a lack of understanding or lack of skills is abusive behavior that can threaten the safety and well-being of the older adult, but instead of them being penalized it may be more productive to educate them.

To better understand the scope of the problem, it is crucial that society knows what is considered as elder abuse and why it is important to resolve this issue. Elder abuse refers to any intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. There are many forms in which an elder can be abused, “Elder Abuse and Neglect” Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services distinguishes between the five most common types of elder abuse as well as their effects and/or common signs and symptoms for each. These types of abuse include physical abuse,

To elaborate, an elderly patient can be abused emotionally in a few different ways. The abuse occurs when they are spoke to or treated in a way that causes them distress. It can be intimidation, yelling, threats, humiliation, and ridicules. Other forms of emotional abuse are isolating them, or ignoring them. Although, emotional abuse may not seem like a big deal to the people inflicting it on the patients, when the patient can fend for themselves it will

This paper talks about elder abuse and neglect. In the paper, the statistical overview is given in detail with regard to issues pertaining to elder abuse and neglect. In the statistics, evidences are given with regard to abused elders, population coverage of the elders, and the estimated population come 2050. The population is projected to continue increasing for the elders. Types of elder abuse are given details such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and neglect by caregivers, healthcare frauds, and many more. Furthermore, impacts and signs of such abuses are thoroughly discussed in the thesis paper. Lastly, the paper provides authentic remedies that can be followed to identify signs and find solution for the victims.

According to Minnesota Elder Justice Center (n.d.), elder abuse is defined as any neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or financial exploitation of an elderly person. Unfortunately, many times this abuse is being perpetrated by a close family member, but can be induced by outsiders as well (such as in financial scams, etc.).

Elder abuse is the mistreatment, abuse, or manipulation of the elderly by those who should have a trusting relationship with the elder affected. It is occurs throughout the United States and Maine and not just in nursing homes or facilities. Elder abuse can even occur in your own family. The abuse of the elderly is inhumane, unjust, and not deserved by those who have put trust into others to take care of them or support them.

Hi Adrianne, I agree with your post, which defined very well concerning physical abuse. It is heart wrenching to know that someone finds pleasure in abusing the helpless or the vulnerable population. Elderly abuse has been found in more forms one in particularly is physical. I work at a hospital and we do not have to guess where some elderly come from because of the soaked wet diapers, the patient’s yelling and screaming, bedsores, and poor hygiene. Many elderly adults are abused in their own homes, in relatives’ homes, and even in facilities responsible for their care. According to NIH (2017), many older people are victims of elder abuse. It is the mistreatment of an older person, usually by a caregiver. It can happen within the family. It