Understanding Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is a severe public health issue that is actively discussed among professionals, however remains invisible to the larger community. If we are to prevent future assaults against the elderly we must proactively foster social change by utilizing the benefits of educational campaigns, community involvement and public awareness.

• Nearly 5 million elders are abused each year in the Unites States; with 90% of the perpetrators being the victim’s family members.
• 84% of abuse incidents remain unreported.
• Between 1999 and 2001 over 30% of the nursing homes in the US accounted for about 9000 cases of abuse; in 2003, this number elevated to over 20,000 of abuse reports
• Around 450,000 incidents of domestic abuse were reported in 1996, and over 472,000 in 2000
• 10% of the entire elderly population are potential victims of some form abuse

 Elder abuse can be defined as occasional or systematic, unintentional or willful act(s) causing unnecessary harm or suffering to an elderly person.

Usually professionals distinguish the following types of abuse:

• Physical abuse involves implementing physical pain or  causing physical harm
• Emotional or psychological abuse involves causing mental pain or harm
• Sexual abuse is any form of sexual contact without the approval of the individual
• Financial abuse involves taking money, property, or anything that is valuable from the elder as well as forging any legal documents
• Neglect involves failing to provide proper care by not meeting elder’s basic needs.
• Abandonment involves intentionally leaving an elder, who is unable to care for himself or herself

References

National Center on Elder Abuse (2005). Elder Abuse Prevalence and Incidence. Retrieved from http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/main_site/pdf/publication/FinalStatistics050331.pdf

Schutte, S. (2007). Acknowledging elderly abuse. Hidden abuse. Retrieved from http://www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/abuse_and_addiction/acknowledging_elderly_abuse/hidden_abuse.aspx