Elder Abuse
What is Elder Abuse?
The World Health Organisation has adopted the following as a definition of elder abuse, 'A single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person'. There is the 'expectation of trust' that an older person may rightly establish with another person, but which is subsequently violated.
Abuse can occur anywhere, in someone’s own home, in a relatives or friends home, in a day centre or club, in a residential / nursing home or hospital.
Men can be victims of abuse as well as women, the person doing the abusing is usually well known to the victim, partners / spouse, children / grandchildren, a friend or neighbour, a carer or other visiting professional. A carer can also be the one who is being abused.
Often, the person who does the abusing is in a position of trust and exploits the special relationship that they have with the older person.
Sometimes abuse is not intentional, possibly where someone lacks the support that is necessary to enable them to care for another person
Abuse can be of a physical nature where a person is physically assaulted or forced to comply against their will in relation to treatment, medication and care.
Sexual abuse, although rarely discussed is a reality and should be reported as with any crime against any age.
Financial abuse or stealing from or defrauding an older person, this can be in the form of money, goods or property Psychological abuse is where an older person is feeling intimidated, pressured unnecessarily or coerced into doing something against their will or threatened.
Neglect, although not always considered to be abuse this should not be ignored. When someone fails to act and such failure brings about a detrimental consequence to an older person the impact can be immense.
ANY FORM OF ABUSE SHOULD NOT BE TOLERATED; IT SHOULD BE REPORTED REGARDLESS OF HOW DIFFICULT IT MAY BE TO DO SO.
