FYI
FYI
ELDER ABUSE
WHAT IS IT? Elder abuse is any deliberate action or lack of action which causes harm to an elderly person. It can take many forms. Physical Abuse Physical abuse includes any kind of physical assault, such as slapping, pushing, kicking, punching, or injuring with an object or weapon. It also includes deliberate exposure to severe weather, inappropriate use of medication and unnecessary physical restraint. Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse includes any forced sexual activity. Psychological Abuse Psychological abuse includes humiliation, isolation, intimidation, threats, and inappropriate control of activities. Removal of decision making power when the elderly person is still competent to make his/her own decision is also considered to be psychological abuse. Financial Abuse Financial Abuse includes the misuse of the elderly person's funds or property through fraud, trickery or force. Neglect Neglect is any lack of action required to meet the needs of an elderly person. It includes inadequate provision of food, clothing, shelter, required medication or other kinds of health and personal care, as well as social companionship. Passive Neglect Passive Neglect is the unintentional failure to fulfil a caretaking obligation; infliction of distress without conscious or wilful intent; etc. Active Neglect Intentional failure to fulfil care-giving obligations; infliction of physical or emotional stress or injury; abandonment; denial of food, medication, personal hygiene; etc. WHO IS AFFECTED? Any A recent national survey on elder abuse indicates that 4% or approximately 100,000 elderly persons living in private dwellings in Canada have recently suffered one or more forms of abuse or neglect. WHO ARE THE ABUSERS? The abusers can be anyone, but they are most commonly family members with whom the abused person is living. In a small Alberta study conducted in 1985, over half the elderly people reported to have been abused were living with the persons who abuse them. WHY DOES IT HAPPEN? There is no one simple answer to this question. Many factors seem to contribute to abuse and each case has its own unique mix of factors. Abusive style of interaction In some families, the members have a way of relating to each other that is generally hostile and non-nurturing. The adult children may have been abused by their parents, and having learned to interact in such a manner, carry it on into the next generation. Or there may be some unresolved family conflicts which foster abuse. The family may have a history of wife abuse which carries on into old age. Or in some cases, the roles may become reversed if the former abusing partner becomes incapacitated and his wife seizes the opportunity to retaliate. Dependency In some cases, the elderly person becomes dependent to some degree on family members for assistance. Such dependency can tax the resources, both material and psychological, of family members and set the stage for abuse. Conversely, some persons who abuse are in some way dependent on the persons they are abusing. The most common cases are those in which a son or daughter is dependent on an elderly parent for shelter and/or finances. Stress Stress caused by too many demands and too few resources can contribute to abuse. Intoxication Intoxication allows some people to be abusive by breaking down their inhibitions. Lack of Knowledge Ignorance about the aging process and the needs of elderly people sometimes results in harm to the psychological and/or physical well being of elders. Societal Attitudes Our society emphasizes competence vigour, self reliance and physical beauty characterized by smooth skin and slim bodies. When these characteristics start to fade as people age, the value of the people themselves lessens in the eyes of many. Little respect is given to persons who are seen as useless and unattractive. It is much easier to abuse people who are not respected. Rarely will any one of these factors on its own lead to abuse. Usually a combination of circumstances is involved. WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT Elderly people who are being abused find it very difficult to tell anyone. They are usually ashamed and sometimes afraid. If at all possible, though, they should tell someone they trust. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO LIVE WITH ABUSE. In some cases, it may be impossible for the abused persons to tell anyone. They may be isolated or incapacitated. In such cases, friends, relatives or care-giving professionals need to be aware of the possibility of abuse. Some signs to look for:
If the abused person is in imminent danger, the police should be called. Assault is as much a crime within families as it is on the street. If abuse is only suspected, further investigation should be conducted by appropriate persons. Professionals who might be consulted are doctors, social workers, community health or home care nurses, psychologists and lawyers. Investigation of abuse must be undertaken carefully so that the situation is not aggravated. Part of the investigation could include talking with the elderly person to determine the accuracy of the suspicions. If abuse is confirmed, it may be that he or she prefers to stay in the situation rather than choose any alternatives that seem available. Giving information and discussing all alternatives can be helpful. Unless the person who is being abused is unable to care for him or herself or make personal decisions because of some disability, he or she has the right to choose where and how to live. In other cases, the Public Guardian may be able to assist. It may be appropriate to offer assistance to the suspected abuser. Counselling and support services may help alleviate the factors contributing to the abuse. Relief care of the elderly person may assist in reducing stress. dixiecop@n2law.com |