Elderly Abuse Is Major Societal Problem
Introduction
Elderly abuse suffered at the hands of older adults is quickly becoming a major societal problem that requires immediate attention. Recent data suggests that one in every six people sixty-five years and older have experienced some form of abuse in the community setting during the past year (World Health Organization [WHO], 2018). However, this ratio is most likely a gross underestimate as many older adults choose not to come forward and report crime such as abuse, fearing the repercussions of filing a report. The frequency of occurrence of elder mistreatment will undoubtedly increase over the next several decades, as the population ages. Yet little is known about its characteristics, causes, or consequences or about effective means of prevention. To continue further, elderly mistreatment results from ageism, which is an attitude that sees older people as less worthy of dignity and respect. This often happens when society and the media advance the idea that the ideal members of a society are those who are young, active and attractive. When elderly people are considered less worthy or worthless, their choices and desires are not given enough importance, and decisions are imposed on them forcefully. Elder abuse is a violation on older adult’s fundamental rights to be safe and free from violence and contradicts efforts toward improved well-being and quality of life in healthy aging (Wister, 2019, p. 404). As elder abuse and neglect continues to grow into a large societal problem, members of the social environment should recognize elderly mistreatment as the injustice of human rights and see how elders are affected physically, psychologically, and financially as a result of trauma. The pattern of this essay will explain what elder abuse is and highlight variations of abuse experienced by older adults. Furthermore, information will be provided about the realities of this growing dispute.
The Hidden Problem Behind Elderly Abuse and Neglect
Older people today are more visible, more active and more independent than ever before. They are living longer and are in better health. But as the population of older adults grows, so does the hidden problem of elder abuse, exploitation and neglect. The quality of life of older individuals who experience abuse is severely jeopardized, as they often experience worsened functional and financial status, progressive dependency, poor self-rated health, feelings of helplessness and loneliness, and increased psychological distress (Harbison et al. 2010). Research also suggests that older people who have been abused tend to die earlier than those who have not been abused, even in the absence of chronic conditions or life-threatening disease (WHO, 2018).
Like other forms of abuse, elder abuse is a complex problem, making it is easy for society to have misconceptions regarding it. Generally, when people hear the term “elderly abuse and neglect” they tend to visualize older adults who are living in assisted living facilities or older relatives who live alone and never receive any visitors (Imbody & Vandsburger, 2011). However, elderly abuse is not just a problem of older adults living on the margins of everyday life. There is much more to this growing epidemic as it dwells in the center of today's society.
To continue, as this prevailing issue of abuse continues to be on the rise in North America, elderly mistreatment is not a new concept. Elderly abuse and neglect first arose in the late nineteen-eighties when reports of “granny bashing” first hit the media. This is when gerontologists began to study the cause and effect of elderly mistreatment. In the beginning, this epidemic was viewed as an issue almost exclusively North America, however elderly abuse and mistreatment have now been documented in most countries around the world (Wister, 2019, p. 402). Just like other forms of abuse, mistreatment and abuse of older adults is hard to identify and confirm. Victims that are subjected to abuse, typically do not report their exposure of abuse because they are unaware that the way they are being treated is abusive. Non-reporting and under-reporting of abuse is also justified because victims do not know where to report the abuse and feel fear or loss of care from their abusers. Other elderly individuals feel as though that they may be showing signs of frailty and incompetence, therefore, fail to disclose information regarding abuse (Wister, 2019, p. 403). Evidence shows that in most cases, the abuser and abused are typically family members of caregivers, meaning that most elderly mistreatment takes place in the home setting. As there are many extreme cases of elder abuse, often in these circumstances the abuse is scarce, and the distinction between normal interpersonal stress and abuse is not always easy to discern. Furthermore, there is no single pattern of elder abuse, as each scenario is different. Elder abuse can often be a continuation of long term patterns of family violence. Harbison et al. (2010) explains that more commonly, elderly abuse is closely correlated to changes in living situations and relationships brought about either by the older person growing vulnerability and dependency on others for companionship.
Definitions of Abuse and Neglect toward Older Adults
As defined by Wister, 2019, p 439, elder abuse is the conscious or unconscious physical, psychological, or fraudulent act against a frail or dependent older person. This action may result in physical, psychological, or financial trauma for the older person. Abuse can also take the form of any intentional or unintentional neglect of an older adult. There is no single definition of elderly abuse and neglect. Older adults May engage in self neglect or abuse that threatens their own safety and health, especially when they are not monitored or visited regularly. Elderly abuse can be conceived in different ways. The way abuse is viewed by one family or culture may not be considered abuse by others. However, there is an agreement that the major types of abuse include; physical, psychological and, financial.
Physical wrongdoing can range from slapping or shoving to extreme beatings and self-controls. When a professional or family member uses enough pain to cause unnecessary pain or injury, even if the reason is to help the older person, the behaviour is carefully thought about and believed to be violent and cruel (Wister, 2019, p. 404). Physical abuse can include hitting, beating, pushing, shoving, kicking, pinching, burning or biting. It also includes the inappropriate use of medicines and disciplinary objects and physical punishments of any kind.
Psychological abuse can range from calling for names or giving 'silent treatment' to intimidating and threatening the victim. If a family member, caregiver, or other person conducts in a manner that causes fear, mental anguish, or emotional pain or distress, the behaviour may be considered abusive (Wister, 2019, p. 404). Verbal and emotional abuse may include shouting, swearing, and insulting remarks. Psychological mistreatment involves any type of harassment or threatening behaviour that sets a power difference between the older adult and the member or caregiver of his or her family (Harbison et al. 2010). It can also include treating the elderly as a child and isolating the individual from family, friends, and regular activities— through force, threats, or manipulative behaviour.
Financial abuse and exploitation can range from misuse of the funds of an older person to misuse. Financial exploitation includes fraud, taking money on false pretenses, buying expensive items with the money of the older person without the knowledge or permission of that person, or denying access to his or her own funds or home to the older person. It includes the misuse of arrangements for legal guardianship, lawyers ' powers, or conservatorships (National Institute of Aging, 2016). It also includes a variety of internet, telephone, and face-to-face scams perpetrated by sales people— or even so-called friends— for health-related services, home repair services, mortgage firms, and finance. Financial abuse is becoming a widespread and difficult issue to detect and one of the most common forms of elderly mistreatment (Wister, 2019, p. 405).
Victims of Elderly Mistreatment
Most victims of elder abuse are people who are mentally competent and are able to make their own life decisions. Most older adults are able to take care of their own health needs and do not need the constant care of a family member or professional. It should never be assumed that older adults are mentally incapable based off of the pure ignorance of aging (CITE). However, when older adults are abused, there seems to be a blurred misconception between being able to take care of themselves and being generally dependant on their abuser. Dependence on the abuser does not always demonstrate that the elderly are mentally incapable or physically frail, often this may demonstrate another strain of abuse.
Although all older adults are potential targets of abuse, the greatest physical harm is most often done to aging women (Wister, 2019, p. 407). As stated previously, WHO, 2018 suggests that one in every six people sixty-five years and older have experienced some form of abuse in the community setting during the past year, of those people, sixty-five percent are women. It is suggested that women are more likely to be taken advantage of an abused because of vulnerability. Women are less inclined to discuss abuse without direct questioning, more likely to accept or minimize the degree of their situations, and to remain silent as abuse continues (James & Struthers, 2015). Shame and embarrassment often make it difficult for older persons to reveal abuse. They don't want others to know that such events occur in their families and lifestyles.
Explanations for Abuse and Neglect
Most elder abuse and neglect happens as a result of the abuser’s power and control over an older person. Abuse is most likely to happen when family is going through a high stress period, including the stress of taking care of their elder. Old age is a difficult time for many people because of many situations such as; a time of failing health, reduced income, a loss of a meaningful role in society, or a death of a loved one. These problems create upset in the family atmosphere and create unhappiness for older adults and damage relationships (Imbody & Vandsburger, 2011). Unfortunately, this is what leads to abusive actions. In some cases, the elder abuse may be apart of a cycle of violence within the family unit.
Certain societal attitudes may contribute to violence against older people and make it easier for abuse to continue without detection or intervention. These factors include the devaluation of and lack of respect for older adults and society's belief that what goes on in the home is a private, 'family matter.' (Wister, 2019, p. 408).
When older people are regarded as insignificant, society fails to recognize the importance of assuring dignified, supportive and nonabusive life circumstances for every older person. The idea that what happens at home is private can be a major factor in keeping an older person locked in an abusive or neglectful situation (Wister, 2019, p. 402). Those outside the family who observe or suspect abuse or neglect may fail to intervene because they believe 'it's a family problem and none of my business' or because they are afraid they are misinterpreting a private quarrel.
Prevention
Elder abuse is a complex problem that requires many responses, depending on the type of abuse. The first and most important step toward preventing elder abuse is to recognize that no one, of whatever age, should be subjected to violent, abusive, humiliating or neglectful behaviour. In addition to promoting this social attitude, we can take positive steps such as educating people about elder abuse, increasing the availability of respite care, promoting increased social contact and support for families with dependent older adults, and encouraging counseling and treatment to cope with personal and family problems that contribute to abuse. Violence, abuse and neglect toward older individuals are signs that the people involved need help immediately.
Education is the cornerstone of preventing elder abuse. Media coverage of abuse in nursing homes has made the public knowledgeable about and outraged by abusive treatment in those settings. Because most abuse occurs in the home by family members or caregivers, there needs to be a concerted effort to educate the public about the special needs and problems of older adults and the risk factors for abuse.
Social contact and support, such as counselling can be a boon to older persons and to family members and caregivers as well. When other people are part of the social circle, tensions are less likely to reach unmanageable levels. Having other people to talk to is an important part of relieving tensions. Many times, families in similar circumstances can band together to share solutions and provide informal respite for each other. In addition, when there is a larger social circle, abuse is less likely to go unnoticed. Isolation of elders increases the probability of abuse, and it may even be a sign that abuse is occurring.
Conclusion
To conclude, elder abuse, like other forms of violence, is never an acceptable response to any problem or situation, however stressful. Recognizing that elderly mistreatment is a violation and injustice of human rights is crucial in understanding that there is large complex problem in today's society.
