Learning objectives
At the end of this session, the learner will be able to:
1. Define different kinds of abuse and neglect.
2. Identify symptoms of caregiver stress that could lead to abuse or neglect.
3. List ways to prevent abuse and neglect.
4. Recognize signs of abuse and neglect.
5. Know how to report elder abuse and neglect.
Elder abuse: Any mistreatment or neglect of an elderly person. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect.
There is no acceptable excuse for abuse and neglect of the elderly, but recognizing and preventing the problem of caregiver stress may help prevent some elder abuse.
Ways that elders are abused:
Financial Abuse: Stealing or mismanaging the money, property, or belongings of an older person. Also called exploitation.
Physical Abuse: Using physical force to cause physical pain or injury.
Neglect: Failing to provide something necessary for health and safety, such as personal care, food, shelter, or medicine.
Psychological Abuse: Causing emotional or psychological pain. Includes isolation, verbal abuse, threats, and humiliation.
Rights Violation: Confining someone against his will, or strictly controlling the elder’s behavior. Includes improper use of restraints and medications to control difficult behaviors.
Sexual Abuse: Forcing sexual contact without the elder person’s consent, including touching or sexual talk.
Other Ways Elders Are Abused:
- Overmedicating
- Denying aids such as walkers, eyeglasses, or dentures
- Dirty living conditions
- Inadequate heating and air conditioning
Signs of elder abuse and neglect
Be concerned if you see an elderly person showing these new behaviors or signs:
Personality and behavior changes:
1. Becoming withdrawn, unusually quiet, depressed, or shy.
2. Becoming anxious, worried, easily upset.
3. Refusing care from caregivers.
4. Not wanting to be around people, not wanting to see visitors.
Physical signs:
1. Bruises or burns
2. In a woman, vaginal bleeding or bruising of the genitals or thighs
3. Fractures
4. Unreasonable or inconsistent explanations for injuries
5. Frequent emergency room visits
Signs of possible neglect:
1. Weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration
2. Insufficient clothing, shoes, or basic hygiene items
3. Medications not filled or taken
4. Doctor visits not scheduled or kept
5. Unclean appearance or smell
6. Skin ulcers or sores
7. Declining health
While most of these things are controlled in an institution, it is possible for any of them to occur anywhere. Abusive or neglectful caregivers can be professionals as well as family members. It is important for everyone to be alert to the signs.
Who are the victims?
The typical abuse victim lives with and depends on a family member for daily care, but abuse is also a problem in institutional settings. Most victims are female, age 75 or over, with a mental or physical illness. Most are completely dependent on the abuser.
Who are the abusers?
Most abusers are relatives who take care of the elderly person. The abusers may have problems such as alcohol or drug dependence, emotional or mental illness, or stress. Many times the abusers need as much help as the victim.
A heart attack usually occurs over a time period of four to six hours. With each minute, more heart tissue is deprived of oxygen and is damaged or dies. The only way to help the individual suffering a heart attack is to restore blood flow before too much damage is done. Heart attack symptoms in women, the elderly, and people with diabetes tend to be less pronounced. Some people have no symptoms at all. While heart attacks usually occur suddenly, about half of all victims have warning symptoms in advance. All heart attacks are emergencies. Early treatment, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the heart stops, is essential to survival. Everyone should learn CPR and be able to use it. Recognizing symptoms of a heart attack and helping the person get emergency care can save a life.
There is no acceptable excuse for abuse and neglect of the elderly, but recognizing and preventing the problem of caregiver stress may help prevent some elder abuse.
Are you an overly stressed caregiver?
Answer these questions “yes” or “no.”
1. I am frequently unable to sleep because I have so much on my mind. __________
2. Most of the time I don’t feel very good. _________
3. I have difficulty concentrating, and often forget to do routine tasks. __________
4. I feel depressed or sad much of the time. __________
5. I feel worried and anxious almost all the time. __________
6. I lose my temper easily and become angry at other people. __________
7. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with me; I just wish everyone else would stop doing things that upset me. __________
8. Most days I feel irritable and moody, often snapping at others. __________
9. I feel tired almost all the time, and just drag myself through my days. __________
10. I’m too busy to do anything fun or to go out with my friends. __________
Any “yes” answers could be a sign of excessive stress. More than three “yes” answers should prompt you to talk to your supervisor or physician about the way you are feeling.
*Caregivers who are feeling too much stress are more likely to be abusive or neglectful of the people in their care. To be a good caregiver, you must care for yourself as well as others.
REPORT ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Anyone who knows of an elderly person being abused or neglected is obligated to notify the proper authorities. Reporting procedures vary by state. Any aide who suspects abuse of a resident by either a family member or another professional caregiver should first report it to his or her supervisor. You should become familiar with any statements of rights that your state has issued to protect the elderly and residents of care facilities—ask your supervisor for a copy. Every state has an office or department that deals with abuse and neglect of the elderly. There are different names for these offices: Human Services, Adult Protective Services, Health and Welfare, Department of Aging, etc.
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