Elder abuse is serious problem that affects older people at a time in their lives when they are becoming more dependent on others to meet their basic needs. Instead of receiving assistance, some elderly people are subjected to physical and emotional abuse, often at the hands of family members and caregivers. Approximately 2.1 million people in the United States are the victims of elder abuse, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), although the actual number of abused elderly people may be much higher.
Identification
Elder abuse occurs when a caregiver knowingly and intentionally harms or neglects a vulnerable elderly person. Elder abuse is against the law in all 50 states. According to the APA, most elder abuse incidents don't occur in nursing homes but in private homes. Family members or paid home-care aides are most often the abusers.
Types
Elder abuse takes several forms. Physical abuse involves inflicting injury or pain on the elderly person, while neglect occurs when the person's basic needs for water, food, healthcare and shelter are ignored. Self-neglect happens when the person is no longer able to care for himself. Sexual abuse occurs when the elderly person is forced to engage in non-consensual sexual activity. If the elderly person is not only neglected, but receives no care from a person who had provided care previously, abandonment occurs. Attempting to humiliate, threaten or intentionally cause anguish and distress to an older person constitutes emotional abuse. Exploitation occurs when caregivers use the assets of the elderly person for their own financial gain.
Signs
A person being abused may suffer frequent, unexplained injuries. A change in personality may be evident, and the relationship between the elderly person and the caregiver may seem tense. If neglect is a problem, the elderly person may lose weight, appear unkempt and have bedsores. Bruises or injuries to the breasts or genitals can indicate the possibility of sexual abuse. If self-neglect is a problem, the elderly person may seem confused and may exhibit signs of poor hygiene. In some people, hoarding occurs and the person is unwilling or unable to perform basic cleaning of the home. When a caregiver is stealing or mismanaging money, the elderly person may be suddenly unable to afford to meet expenses, despite having a healthy bank account previously.
Risk Factors
Living with domestic violence for years increases the chance of elder abuse. Spouses make up a large percentage of elder abusers, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. Living with an adult child who relies on elderly parents for financial support can increase the risk for elder abuse. Caregivers providing support to elderly people with Alzheimer's disease or other physical or mental problems can experience significant stress and take out their frustrations on the person in their care. In some cases, abuse is a learned pattern of behavior. If the elderly person abused family members, they may then be more likely to suffer abuse at the hands of a family caregiver.
Prevention/Solution
Finding help before a difficult situation turns abusive can prevent elder abuse. The NCEA website offers an eldercare locator database that provides information on local services available to senior citizens and information on reporting abuse (see Resources).
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