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It can not be written that all elderly are weak and at risk. There are many older adults who in their seventies, eighties and even nineties are in excellent physical and mental health. We are all at risk for some disease or some injury, young and old. There are some, who as they age, do have physical and mental complications. Disease may destroy parts of their bodies or corrupt their mind and senses. When this occurs, an elderly person may become weakened and at greater risk for potential harm.
It is unfortunate in today's society, that some of this potential harm can come from the people we entrust our elders to. Whether by family or medical staff, elderly abuse is a real problem and an issue that is often ignored or not recognized, until it is too late.
Elderly abuse does not happen in every nursing home, hospital or home. When it does happen, even one case of abuse is one too many. Abuse can happen in many forms. It can be physical, mental or sexual. Abuse also includes neglect. Not feeding someone, not bathing them, and socially isolating them are all forms of neglect which is a common form of abuse among family caregivers. They "punish" the elders for misbehaving or having accidents which are often out of their control. This form of 'punishment' is neglect and abuse.
Verbal abuse is also very common. Talking about the person, name calling and yelling, as well as using words of a negative or derogatory nature all constitute verbal abuse. Someone suffering verbal abuse may also suffer mental abuse. Often times an elderly person may be left in a dark room with no way to move or get out, especially if bed bound. With no sounds and no sun, this form of mental abuse can be devastating. Some signs and symptoms of mental abuse are not obvious, in fact, some mimic natural occurrences of aging. These signs and symptoms include: loss of appetite or refusal to eat, weight loss, dehydration, lack of movement, bowel changes, social withdrawal and fearfulness.
Signs of physical abuse are more noticeable. These may include: bruising, swelling, skin tears, repetitive or numerous injuries, scratches, burns, cuts, tears or damage to the skin or area around genitalia. Abuse can happen to men or women at any age and in any condition. Most times the elderly person is not functioning well physically and often has symptoms of mental deterioration as well. They become easy targets for abuse since many can't tell someone of their abuser. That is why it is vital for anyone who suspects abuse to speak up and become the voice for the abused elder.
The abuser can be anyone. It is often someone we trust and who we think cares about our loved ones. It can happen anywhere. There are no rules as to who and why abuse occurs, but there are ways to stop it and to prevent it from happening to someone you love and care about.
If you suspect elder abuse, or if you see any of the signs or symptoms of abuse or neglect, report it to the nursing home or hospital administrator. Follow up with the Long Term Care Ombudsman and your State Licensing Agency. If it is occurring in the home, call an adult protection service agency. One call is all it takes to start the process and end elderly abuse.
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