Understanding Elder Abuse
Posted by Lauren Batalka on Fri, Jul 30, 2010
Each year, thousands of elders face abuse in their homes, relatives’ or friends’ homes, nursing facilities and hospitals. You may suspect that an elder is being abused in one way or another. It is important to understand the different types of abuse, signs and symptoms to help identify a problem. By understanding abuse, you may be able to help someone or even safe-guard yourself from future abuse.
What is Elder abuse? Elder abuse is any knowing, intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or serious risk of harm.
Types of Abuse
- Psychological Abuse- the infliction of anguish, pain or distress through verbal or non-verbal acts; disparaging or derogatory expressed directly towards the patient; humiliation, harassment, threats of punishment or deprivation.
- Examples- Threatening with punishment, yelling, screaming or using demeaning language.
- Signs- Being emotionally upset or agitated, withdrawn, non-communicative or non-responsive.
- Sexual Abuse- sexual contact with any person incapable of giving consent, unwanted touching and all types of sexual assault and battery.
- Examples- Intimately touching a patient during bathing. Any sexual activity that occurs when one or both parties cannot or do not consent.
- Signs- Bruises around the breasts or genital areas.
- Physical Abuse- The use of physical force that may result in bodily injury or physical pain.
- Examples- Hitting, slapping, beating, punching, shoving, spitting at the patient.
- Signs- Bruises, black eyes, broken bones, cuts.
- Financial Abuse- illegal or improper use of a patient’s funds, property or assets.
- Examples- Stealing or helping oneself to any of the patient’s possessions without permission.
- Signs- Missing clothing, missing valuables, missing food or other personal belongings.
- Neglect- deprivation of goods or services which are necessary to maintain physical or mental health.
- Examples- Failure to provide necessary medical attention. Withholding food, water or other items. Not assisting a patient whom you know needs help with eating.
- Signs- Patient’s room is not clean, bed linens are not changed or food is served cold. Weight loss due to lack of proper help with eating.
- Rights violation- violating a person’s rights (privacy or freedom)
- Confining someone against his/her will. Controlling someone’s behavior. Improper use of restraints or medication to control difficult behavior.
Situations that may contribute to Abuse or Neglect:
- Patients who may require increased care, which may in turn increase stress on the caregiver.
- Lack of training and knowledge
- Stressful life situations: Overworked, tired, stressed or unappreciated.
- Anger and resentment
- Retaliation for past child abuse
- Poor communication skills
- Working with aggressive patients
- Working with patients who have dementia or mental illness
Symptoms of stress
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Impending feelings of doom or dread
- Headaches
- Stomach aches
- Anger
- Pain
- Tearfulness
- Forgetfulness
- Indifference
At the end of your rope?
It is important to know your limits and abilities. Recognize your symptoms of stress and ask for help. Find a local support group or a community resource and use it to your advantage.
How to report abuse
If you have a reason to suspect elder abuse in any form, call the Pennsylvania toll free Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-866-623-2137. Email at elderabuse@attorneygeneral.gov or fill out an Elder Abuse Complaint Form.