The Pain of Elderly Abuse

Elderly abuse are acts of violence...either physical and/or psychological against someone too old, weak or dependent to defend themselves. Even if the actual act isn't committed, threats alone can sometimes be just as painful. The term can vary among researchers depending on where they live. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), which was previously known as a National Aging Resource Center on Elder Abuse, has described the seven categories:

• Physical abuse is an act of violence incorporating threats, pushing, force-feeding, etc.
  
• Psychological abuse is also termed as emotional abuse. Here, people insult elders by making verbal or nonverbal humiliating threats.Nevertheless, abuse does not stop here. 

Another category is:
Financial abuse. This is the misuse of money for personal gain thats supposed to be used for the care of the elderly person. This illegal act is no less than stealing. Abuses are sometimes so indirect that the culprit pretends to be respecting his or her rights, but is actually neglecting to provide them the basic amenities like eyeglasses, safety precautions or hygiene. It is shocking to know that the old and weak are also being sexually abused. This sinful act is deliberately done when the poor patient is unable to defend him or herself.

Abuse of the aged happens much more
than likes to be admitted

The research findings say that every year almost 1-2 million adults over the age 60 years old are abused and neglected.To know the reason behind the abuse, one must know the factors that make this immoral act to happen. Sometimes shame, guilt, fear and ignorance create situations where elders in return become abused or humiliated. It's not that abuse has no remedy or is incurable. It has a treatment. Many hospitals have social workers, physicians, nurses, retired people help organizations, aged aid, administrators, etc., which work as multidisciplinary teams and try hard to provide these people the respected and enjoyable life they deserve.

One of the first steps to take to overcome abuse is to admit the patient into a hospital or facility where they can be protected. When they are secure, they can be given a court protective order. This way, the patient is away from the abusive people who consistently and intentionally degrades them. If you know of someone who is facing the problem of being abused, you can call Eldercare at 1-800-677-1116.  Remember, it's our job to protect the ones we love.  We need to be sure the aged are taken care of with dignity and respect in their later years so they can enjoy their life until they pass away.