Elder abuse, also referred to as elder mistreatment, is any abuse or neglect of a person aged 60 or older by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that threatens his or her health or safety. It is difficult to determine the prevalence of elder abuse because many times cases are not reported. A 2003 National Research Council report estimated that there are between 1 million and 2 million cases of elder abuse and neglect in the United States every year. Family members, adult children, or spouses are implicated in 90% of the cases of elder abuse. Those affected are usually elderly people who are cognitively or physically frail, depressed, lonely, or lacking social support. The August 5, 2009, issue of JAMA is a theme issue on violence and human rights that includes an article reporting that both elder abuse and self-neglect in a community-dwelling population are associated with an increased risk of death.
TYPES OF ELDER ABUSE
Physical abuse such as the infliction of pain or injury,including physical or drug-induced restraint
Sexual abuse, including any nonconsensual sexual contact
Emotional abuse, including infliction of any mental anguish
Caregiver neglect--refusal or failure to fulfill caregiver obligations to meet basic needs, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care
Financial exploitation, including any unauthorized orimproper use of the funds or resources of an elderly person
RISK FACTORS FOR ELDER ABUSE
Elders with memory problems (such as dementia) or who are physically dependent on others
Elders with depression, loneliness, or lack of social support
Caregiver stress when the caregiver feels overwhelmed with the care of the elder
Caregiver has history of substance abuse or history of abusing others
Caregiver has high emotional or financial dependence on the elder
PREVENTION OF ELDER ABUSE
Intervene if you suspect elder abuse--in California contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal elder care help line at 1-866-999-9085 to talk to an experienced elder abuse and neglect attorney or go to www.premierlegal.org
Listen to elders and their caregivers.
Get help from family, friends, or local support groups.
Seek counseling or other support if you are feeling stressed or depressed.
Get help if you have substance abuse problems.
