The Abuse Of Older Adults

Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as well as neglect, exploitation and abandonment of our older generation (Falk, 2012). The people that cause these injuries include the elderly person’s own family and staff members of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, medical rehabilitation facilities and hospitals (NCOA, 2017). There is approximately 1 in 10 older adults that have experienced some type of elder abuse in the United States (NCOA, 2017). Within these staggering numbers, only 1

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention standardly defines elder abuse as “any abuse and neglect of persons age 60 or older by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust” (CDC, Elder Abuse). It is always thought that the elderly are treated with honor, dignity and respect but many of the elderly have been abused and neglected as much if not worse than the children we spoke of in our previous discussions. Who seriously could hurt these frail people, someone’s grandparents, possibly even your own; persons who because of the aging process have lost their ability to fight back and are being bullied or attacked by someone in a position of trust. It is estimated that 70% to 90% of the perpetrators of elderly

This essay will examine elder abuse and its role in our society. The definition of elder abuse and the different types of elder abuse will be examined. Additionally, literature that highlight legislative changes to current elder abuse laws and the origins of those laws will be examined. The paper will also discuss national reports of elder abuse statistics and the current status of elder abuse. Finally, recommendations based upon the information researched will be provided as a guide for the future.

It is estimated that one in ten American over the age of 60 are victims of elder abuse each year. Elder abuse is a difficult subject; however, it is a subject that must be addressed. Thousands of senior citizens are being abused or neglected each day in this country. It is everyone’s responsibility to take acts to prevent elder abuse when possible.

Abuse can happen to anyone, but elderly adults residing in nursing homes are more vulnerable and have a higher risk for abuse (Rasansky Law Firm, 2006, para. 1). Elders are among the fastest growing in the population, and because of this many more elderly

Elder abuse is a serious problem and almost 14.1 percent of noninstutionalized older adults in the United States have experience it in the past year (govtrack.us, 2016). The elder abuse is any kind of mistreatment that causes harm or loss to an older adults and it is not only limited to physical and psychological abuse, but also include sexual and financial abuse, and neglect (National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, 2008). In addition, the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (2008) mentioned that older adults as a result of abuse can lose their independence, homes, life savings, health, dignity, and security. Most importantly, the older adults who have been abused are 300% at higher risk of death than non-abused older adults (N National Center on Elder Abuse, 2016).

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.

Elder Abuse is one of the single most important issues affecting the elder population in

The elderly population is faced with many challenges as they age. One of the challenges is elder abuse. Globally, elderly abuse is a major social problem that has worsened over time. Physical, sexual, emotional or psychological and financial abuses are some of the forms of abuse the elderly population are subject to. Has memory problems such as dementia, lack of support and physical disabilities are some causes or risk factors of elderly abuse. The consequences of such abuse going unresolved is have health issues, such as depressions, anxiety, stress, long term-psychological issues and even death. Moreover, “elderly abuse is often defined as a repeated or single act, or lack of appropriate action, that happens in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes distress, injury, or suffering to an older person” (Kilvik et. al., 2015). The prevalence of Elder abuse is that of a world-wide issue caused by perpetrators, such as family members, friends, healthcare professionals, relatives and strangers. Interventions and prevention measures are put into place to help older adults suffering from the after math of abuse. As the elderly population grow, elder abuse increases. what are the different forms of elderly abuse? What are the various risk factors of elder abuse?

Elder abuse isn’t an easy topic to talk about—but it happens too often to continue to turn a blind eye too. According to the National Council of Aging (2016), also known as the NCOA, one in every ten Americans, over the age of 60, have experienced some form of elder abuse, with only one in every fourteen cases being reported to authorities. NCOA (2016) defines elder abuse and neglect as “intentional actions that cause harm or creates serious risk of harm to a vulnerable elder by a caregiver or another person in a trusted relationship” with the individual. This includes failure, of the caregiver, to satisfy the basic needs or to protect in the individual from harm along with physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and financial exploitation.

In addition, it also includes the failure to provide or satisfy elder’s basic needs or to protect the elder from harm (2010). The World Health Organization defines elderly abuse as an act of commission or omission that can be either intentional or non-intentional (WHO). A superficial observation of both definitions reveals the common denominator which is an act hurts the individual. Furthermore, this type of abuse can take several forms: physical, sexual, psychological, financial, and neglect (Hansen, 2015).

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,

Also many elders do not report abuse because of disbelief, shame or fear of further abuse (Sev’er, 2014, p.287). As well a lot of victims are unaware they are being abused (Barnett et al., 2011, p.590). Elder abuse as data has shown does not just exist in family setting but in old age institutions (Sev’er, 2010, p.287). However, there is a lack of research and data on old age institutions committing elder abuse. The largest form of abuse that the elderly experience is neglect which is also the hardest to detect (Sev’er, 2010, p.288). While Mandell & Duffy (2005) argue that financial abuse is the most common form of abuse against the elderly (p.305). It’s important to look at what elderly feel and think of elder abuse in society. In the data collected by Ploeg et al (2013) shows emotional abuse as most committed by perpetuators

The research of this paper focuses on the social injustice of elder abuse that takes place in different social class, as well as the numerous maltreatment descriptions that fall under this grave subject. It addresses the topic from facts and logic that include theories, statistics, and articles. Some of the theorists included are Laura Mosqueda, Shelly Jackson, and Jane Matlaw. Information obtained from the US Census helps identify the number of elders that exist in the population today and gather an estimate as to how many are expected to be exposed. The research explores the rights of elders and addresses how education can help assist with better decision-making for their future. Even though laws have been implemented in 2010, the incidents

What goes on, on a day-to-day basis referring to our elders and their caregivers? Do the staff and faculty treat them with proper respect, love, and care? Elder abuse has been the last form of violence to receive multidisciplinary professional interest. It is thought that today in America roughly 500,000 to 2 million elders are abused, those numbers vary depending on your sources. This research paper focuses not only the causes, affects and prevention, but also the importance of not neglecting the elderly and their needs. The following information supports unanswered confusion as to why elderly patients are continuously mistreated in nursing homes. It is inhumane to hurt not only a harmless person, but a vulnerable defenseless patient.