Abuse refers to an intentional mistreatment or failure to act right leading to harm or distress in an individual. Abuse against senior citizens is a significant challenge faced by many. Older adults could be mistreated by family members, friends, spouses, caregivers, health care providers, neighbours, financial advisors, or strangers. Elder abuse could be physical, emotional, sexual, social, verbal, and financial. Neglect and abandonment are also considered abuse. Avoiding an elder’s need or intentionally letting them suffer without extending help is considered abusive.
Abuse of the elderly is a public health problem. One out of six senior citizens all over the world face abuse. Abuse in the elderly may increase the risk of death by several folds. In India, the prevalence of abuse in the elderly ranges between 9.6% to 61.7% across different states of the country. A survey conducted in 22 cities in India showed that 35% of elders were abused by their sons, 21% by their daughters-in-law, and 2% by house help.
Individuals who are at a higher risk of experiencing abuse may include seniors above 80 years of age, women, adults from low economic profiles, residents of care facilities, and individuals with poor physical and mental health.
Elder abuse can result in serious consequences. It can lead to both physical and mental health issues. Worsened health conditions, malnutrition, dehydration, injuries, and chronic pain are the physical consequences of abuse. Psychological consequences like cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, isolation, withdrawal, and more can be observed in an elder suffering abuse.
Opting for home care services can be a good option to support elders’ needs and prevent abuse. Nursing assistants and skilled home nursing services provided by Athulya promote the well-being of elders by treating them with dignity and respect.
Spotting the Signs
Older
adults showcase different signs when they experience abuse. It is important to be
aware of the signs of it and identify them. The common markers of different
forms of abuse are discussed below.
Physical abuse signs: Physical abuse refers to violence or
force exerted on the body that causes pain, injury, or impairment. The signs of
physical abuse could be physical or behavioural.
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Unexplained bruises, scars, cuts, or wound
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Scars as a result of rope straps or restrainment
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Bruises in non-ambulatory elders
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Multiple, untreated pressure sores
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Fractures
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Unintentional weight loss
Behavioural signs include withdrawal, fear, anxiety, silence, and signs of trauma like rocking.
Emotional abuse signs: Psychological abuse involves the
intentional use of mental anguish through humiliation, verbal, and non-verbal
threats. Indications of an elder facing emotional abuse are
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Confusion
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Sleeplessness
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Withdrawal
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Acts Agitated and violent
- Seems afraid in the sight of the abuser
Financial abuse signs: Elders are more prone to financial
fraud due to their lack of knowledge. Signs to identify an elder facing
financial abuse are
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Unexplained transfers from the bank
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Unpaid bills, eviction notices
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Missing properties
- Changes in the financial figures or money-spending behaviour
Neglect signs: Another common form of elder abuse
is neglect. Signs include
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Lack of necessities
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Skin rashes
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Lack of cleanliness
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Improper clothing
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Lack of healthy food in the home
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Hazardous environment
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Bedsores
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Does not partake in activities they enjoy
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Lacks medical aids like hearing devices, eyeglasses,
walkers, wheelchairs, and medications.
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Looks underfed and dehydrated
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Unchanged linens
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Unemptied trash bins
Behavioural signs of older adults being neglected are nightmares, sleeplessness, disorientation, self-destruction, and dread of the abuser.
Being a Helping Hand
Abusing any citizen is denying their human rights. Several Indian seniors are not aware that it is a punishable offence to abuse others. The trend of abuse heightening throughout the country highlights the dire need to tackle the issue.
Here
are a few ways one can try to prevent elder
abuse and provide support to them.
● Listening to the elders when they
talk about being treated bad and understanding their challenges.
● Learn to identify the signs of
abuse.
● Keep in touch with older individuals
who are in the care of non-family members.
● Providing companionship for elders will build trust in them to share their
challenges.
● Report to the police or elderly care
agencies when you witness or suspect abuse.
● Educate the elders about their
rights and steps to report the abuser.
● Promote awareness on access to tools
and resources against elder abuse.
● Sharing money management tips to
those facing financial abuse.
● Educating them about safe money
transaction methods.
● Helping them with technology and
teaching them the same.
● The community around the seniors can
ensure they are safe. A protective neighbourhood can influence the risks of
senior abuse. A study found that elders residing in a socially cohesive
neighbourhood had a 38% reduced risk of experiencing abuse.
● Help overburdened caregivers by
caring for elders.
● Socialisation in seniors can help improve their overall
well-being and enables them to receive help.
● Help older adults engage with
communities, support or interest groups and prevent isolation. Staying isolated
makes seniors more susceptible to abuse.
● Educate others about helping senior citizens against abuse.
Take Away
Providing
happy and safe ageing for seniors is the responsibility of every fellow human. Elder abuse gives way to reduced
quality of life, worsens health conditions, and even speeds up death. When an
elder is suspected to be facing abuse, it is important to report it and provide
them with the support they need.
Caregivers
of Athulya ensure to be the best support an elder would need. To discover more
information, visit our homepage Athulya Home Healthcare.
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