Consumer Information

Elder Neglect For Family Members And Carers

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 a carer of an elder may unknowingly or on purpose be an abuser. A carer is someone who is paid or not paid for caring for the elderly victim.
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 as elder neglect. Elder abandonment is when someone has withdrawn or given up supporting an elder.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 is given.
Signs and symptoms of elder neglect may include body pain, weakness, weight loss, and being dirty or wearing dirty clothes. The victim 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 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.

CARE AGREEMENT:

The elder victim has the right to help plan his own care. To help with this plan, he must learn about his health condition and how it may be treated. He can then discuss treatment options with his caregivers. Working with them will help to decide what care and treatment may be used. The victim always has the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Elder neglect is a serious, life-threatening problem, and treatment should be given as soon as possible. Some medicines may cause rashes, nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), or stomach ulcers (sores). The elder victim may bleed or get an infection if he has surgery to treat his wounds, injuries, or other diseases. Being away from his family or friends and going to counseling may be hard and painful.
If elder neglect is left untreated, the victim may develop serious health and mental problems. He may have dehydration or malnutrition (problems with nutrition). When this happens, he may pass out, have seizures (convulsions), or body organs may not work properly. Repeated acts of family violence and negligence may lead to severe (very bad) injuries or death. The earlier elder neglect is found and treated, the better the chances of preventing future problems. The elder victim's health, quality of life, and ability to function may improve if elder neglect is stopped. Ask caregivers if you and the victim are worried or have questions about his condition, treatment, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent: The victim has the right to understand his health condition in words that he knows. He should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat his condition. The victim's caregiver should also tell him about the risks and benefits of each treatment. He may be asked to sign a consent form that gives caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If he is unable to give his consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for him. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to him. Before giving consent, make sure all of his questions have been answered so he understands what may happen.

Activity: At first, the elder victim may need to rest in bed and get plenty of sleep. If he has trouble breathing or chest pain, call caregivers right away.

Diet and nutrition: The victim needs to eat a variety of healthy foods every day. His diet should include fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, and protein (such as chicken, fish, and beans). Eating healthy foods may help him feel better and have more energy. A special diet may be considered depending on his condition. A caregiver, called a dietitian, may talk to you, the victim, or his family members or carer about feeding and nutrition. The victim may be told to eat foods that are low in fat, cholesterol, or salt.

In some cases, the victim may be given thickened liquids to drink or soft foods to eat. Some examples are applesauce, baby food, bananas, cooked cereal, cottage cheese, eggs, gelatin, pudding, and yogurt.
In some cases, the victim may be fed by an IV or a nasogastric (NG) tube. An IV is a tube placed in the elder victim's vein for giving medicine or liquids. An NG tube is put in through the nose and goes down into the stomach.

Medicines: The elder victim may need any of the following:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
Pain medicine: The victim may be given medicines to treat pain, swelling, or fever while he is in the hospital. Tell caregivers if the victim has any other medical problems or allergies. Tell the caregiver about all other medicines, herbs, or supplements that the victim may have taken lately.
Other medicines: Different medicines may be given if the victim has other conditions that must be treated. These may include medicines to treat his high blood pressure or sugar, cancer, or heart or kidney diseases.

Oxygen: The victim may need extra oxygen to help him breathe easier. It may be given through a plastic mask over his mouth and nose. It may be given through a nasal cannula or prongs. A nasal cannula is a pair of short, thin tubes that rest just inside his nose. Tell a caregiver if the victim's nose gets dry or if the mask or prongs bother him. Ask a caregiver before taking off the oxygen.

Tests: The victim may be given a dye before pictures are taken for some of the following tests. The dye may help his caregiver see the pictures better. Tell a caregiver if the victim is allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp), as he may be allergic to some dyes. Any of the following tests may be done:

12-lead ECG: This test, also called an EKG, helps caregivers look for damage or problems in different areas of the heart. Caregivers may need to prepare the victim's skin by shaving or cleaning it. Sticky pads are placed on his chest, arms, and legs, and attached to a machine. A short period of electrical activity in his heart muscle is recorded. This test may show problems or changes in how his heart is working.
Blood and urine tests: Samples of blood and urine may be sent to a lab for tests.
Computerized tomography scan: This is also called a CT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of the head and body. It shows bones, muscles, blood vessels, and organs.
Neurologic signs: Neurologic signs are also called neuro signs. Caregivers check the victim's eyes, memory, and how easily he wakes up. Hand grasp and balance may also be tested. This test shows caregivers how the brain is working after an injury or illness. He may need to have his neuro signs checked often.
X-rays: X-rays may show bones that are broken or out of place. X-rays of the victim's chest and abdomen (stomach) may also be taken.

Treatment options: The victim may need any of the following:

Counseling: A caregiver may talk to you, to the victim, his family, friends, or those who should be held responsible for elder neglect. This may include what may happen if elder neglect is not stopped. The victim may need to leave his current living situation to escape the abuse.
Surgery or wound care: The victim may need surgery to treat injuries, wounds, or other health conditions.

Vital signs: This includes taking the victim's temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting his heartbeat), and respirations (counting his breaths). To take his blood pressure, a cuff is put on his arm and tightened. The cuff is attached to a machine which gives his blood pressure reading. Caregivers may listen to his heart and lungs by using a stethoscope.

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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