Elder Neglect

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Elder neglect is the most common form of family violence and physical abuse of the elderly. An older person may be called an elder. There is no set age for an elder, but it may be defined as when a person retires at the age of 60 or 65 years old. In certain countries, it may be when a person physically cannot do his usual family or work roles anymore. Elder neglect occurs when someone fails to fulfill his obligation of taking care and meeting the needs of an elder. Family members or any person that is caring for an elder may unknowingly or on purpose neglect them.
  
  
• Elder neglect includes not giving food, clothing, shelter, medicine, or care that is needed for everyday living. This may also involve not bathing, dressing, or feeding the elder. Abandonment and medical abuse may also be considered elder neglect. Elder abandonment is when someone has withdrawn or given up support to an elder. This may include completely leaving the elder alone in an unsafe place. With medical abuse, needed treatments are not given or the wrong amount of medicine may be given.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms of elder neglect may include body pain, weakness, weight loss, and poor hygiene or wearing dirty clothes. You may have depression or worsening health conditions that were not treated. Dehydration (loss of too much body fluids and electrolytes) and pressure ulcers (bed sores) may also be present. Elder neglect may be found by a physical exam, blood or urine tests, x-rays, or computed tomography (CT) scan. Treatment for elders who are victims of neglect may include medicines to treat present diseases, and counseling. Surgery and wound care may be needed to treat any injuries. When elder neglect is reported and diagnosed, caregivers can help people who are at risk for, or are victims of elder neglect.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Activity and rest: You may need to rest in bed and get plenty of sleep. Match your activity to the amount of energy you have. You may want to nap during the day. If you have trouble sleeping, tell your caregiver.

Counseling: Your caregiver may talk to you, your family, friends, or those who should be held responsible for elder neglect. This may include what may happen if elder neglect is not stopped. You may need to leave your current living situation to escape your condition.

Injury or wound care: If you have injuries or wounds, ask your caregiver for information about how to treat them.

Self-care:

• Be patient and keep your hopes up for improvement. Try to be patient and not too hard on yourself. Be the first one to encourage yourself and find ways to boost your self-esteem. Working together with people you can trust may help you get through the hard times.
  
  
• Be well informed about new laws that may help. Laws are in place to help those who are victims of elder neglect, abandonment, or medical abuse. Contact the police or other special agencies when elder neglect happens. Reporting elder neglect is the right thing to do. Caregivers may be required by law to report elder neglect.
  
  
• Learn more about elder neglect. The more you know about elder neglect, the better you will be able to help yourself. Ask your caregiver for good sources of information. Work with your caregiver and other people recovering from elder neglect, abandonment, or medical abuse to help yourself.

Skin care: A special mattress called an egg crate or air mattress may be put on your bed. You will need to be turned often if you cannot move by yourself. Turning often will keep you from getting bed sores.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You cannot get to the next meeting with your caregiver.
  
  
• You have new signs and symptoms since the last time you visited your caregiver.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel like hurting yourself or someone else.
  
  
• You feel that you cannot cope with your condition, or your recovery from it.
  
  
• You develop pressure sores.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing, chest pain, or a fast heartbeat.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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