Being a caregiver for dementia patients is an overwhelming experience according to caregiver.org---frustration and stress may lead to physical and verbal abuse. Nearly 2 million cases of elder abuse are reported annually, according to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation. A 1993 article published in The American Journal of Psychiatry reported that abuse is more common in patients with dementia and Alzheimer's patients than other conditions among the elderly. Identifying coping techniques when frustration is high helps prevent abuse.
Types
Both physical and verbal abuse may occur. A study published in the January 2009 issue of "British Medical Journal" indicated the most common type of abuse is verbal abuse. Verbal abuse is identified as belittling a person, yelling or using foul language directed at an elderly dementia patient. Physical abuse includes hitting, shoving or inflicting pain. Sexual abuse and financial exploitation are additional types of elderly abuse. Neglect is identified if basic needs such as food, clothing and water are withheld.
Signs of Caregiver Stress
The increased levels of stress are damaging to both caregivers and the dementia patient and create the potential for abuse to occur, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Signs of caregiver stress include social withdrawal, anxiety and exhaustion. These symptoms may lead the caregiver to suffer from additional health problems. Anger is common when a person realizes his role has now changed from a spouse or family member to full-time caregiver. For example, a husband who wanted to spend his retirement years traveling and vacationing must now stay at home and care for a disabled wife; resentment toward the dementia patient is often identified.
Caregivers Solution
Caregivers should consult with a medical professional to discuss stress and emotions associated with their situations. A person who feels she is being verbally or physically abusive to a dementia patient should seek a support group to discuss frustrations and emotions, as well as learn coping skills. Caregivers are encouraged to seek assistance from friends and family members if day-to-day activities become overwhelming. Assistance may include breaks during the week, help at home or even support with household chores. Caregivers are encouraged to slowly count to 10, leave the room, or simply take a break if levels of frustration and stress begin to feel uncontrollable, suggests caregiver.org. Controlling frustrations is important to preventing elder abuse.
Identification
The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation compares abuse of dementia patients to domestic violence---it is a silent crime. Still, some signs identify abuse is occurring. Unexplainable bruises, cuts or bone fractures are common. The research foundation states the most telling sign of abuse is to actively watch the dementia patient's behavior around the suspected abuser. The dementia patient may physically drawback, use a timid voice or avoid eye contact with the abuser. Unexplainable withdrawals of large amounts of cash are a sign of financial abuse. Other signs of financial abuse are unpaid bills and changes in wills and other financial documents. Signs of sexual abuse include unusual bleeding or bruising in the groin area. A decrease in weight, unsanitary conditions and poor hygiene indicate neglect.
Preventing Abuse
If abuse is suspected, contacting a variety of community organizations is suggested, according to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation. Most states have an adult protective services division. Otherwise, contacting the local police is recommended. The National Center of Elder Abuse has a list of local community and state levels of assistance on its website (see Resources). Victims of elder abuse may directly talk to family members, friends, clergy or even a medical professional to seek help.
References
- American Journal of Psychiatry: The Relationship Between Dementia and Elder Abuse
- British Medical Journal: Abuse of People with Dementia by Family Careers: Representative Cross Sectional Survey
- Alzheimer's Association: Caregiver Stress
- Family Caregiver Alliance: The Stresses of Care giving
- National Institutes of Health: Alzheimer's Caregivers
