Elder Neglect

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is elder neglect?

• 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. This may be unknowingly or purposely done by family members or any person suppose to be caring for an elder. Elder neglect includes not giving food, clothing, shelter, medicine, or care that is needed for every day 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 Elder abandonment is when someone has withdrawn or given up support to an elder. This may include completely leaving the elder alone in an unstable place. With medical abuse, needed treatments are not given or too little or too much medicine is given. Elder neglect may happen in the home of the elderly person or the abuser. It may also happen in nursing homes, foster or group homes, hospitals, or board and care locations. Elder neglect may lead to physical, emotional and mental pain, serious injury, and disability. When elder neglect is reported and diagnosed, caregivers can help people who are at risk for, or who are victims of elder abuse.

What causes elder neglect? The exact cause of elder neglect is not known. There are many things that may cause someone to neglect an elder. Poor or crowded living conditions may be one of the reasons why it occurs. The following are other possible causes and conditions that may increase an elderly person's risk of elder neglect:

• Risks related to the abuser:
  
  
  • Depends heavily on the elder for things such as money or housing.
    
    
  • Drinks alcohol or uses illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, or marijuana.
    
    
  • Has a personality disorder, depression, or another mental illness.
    
    
  • Has a history of family violence, such as physical or sexual abuse.
    
    
  • Has stress due to work, taking care of the elder, or financial problems.
  
  
• Risks related to the elder:
  
  
  • Has learning or memory problems.
    
    
  • Has long-term conditions, such as dementia, diabetes, paralysis, or stroke.
    
    
  • Has no relatives or friends who can take care of him.
    
    
  • More than 75 years of age.
    
    
  • Shows aggressive or disruptive behavior.

What are the signs and symptoms of elder neglect? You may have any of the following:

• Bad breath, bleeding gums, or problems with your mouth or teeth.
  
  
• Body pain and weakness.
  
  
• Dehydration (loss of too much body fluids and electrolytes).
  
  
• Depression or worsening health condition.
  
  
• Dirty, or wearing dirty clothes.
  
  
• Pressure ulcers (bed sores) at the lower back, hip, or thigh areas.
  
  
• Weight loss.

How is elder neglect diagnosed? Your caregiver will take a detailed health history from you. This may include information on the kind of elder neglect that is taking place. He may ask if you have been properly eating, taking medicines, given clothing, or taken good care of. He may also want to know who is neglecting you and how long the neglect has been taking place. You may need to take tests or answer written questions so your caregiver may learn more about your condition. You may also need any of the following tests:

• 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 or CAT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your head and body. You may be given dye by mouth or in an IV before the pictures are taken. The dye may help your caregiver see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish or have other allergies.
  
  
• X-rays: You may need to have x-rays. Caregivers may use these pictures to see if any bones have been broken or are displaced. X-rays of your chest and abdomen (stomach) may also be taken.

How is elder neglect treated? An elder who has been neglected may be placed in adult day care. Special services may be offered to ensure an elder's safety and health. Treatment may also include any of the following:

• For the neglected elder:
  
  
  • Counseling: Your caregiver may talk to you, your family, friends, or those who should be held responsible for elder neglect. He may explain the problems that can occur if elder neglect is not noticed or stopped.
    
    
  • Diet and nutrition: You should eat a variety of healthy foods. A special diet may be considered depending on your condition. A caregiver, called a dietitian, may talk to you about your feeding and nutrition. You may be fed by an IV or a nasogastric (NG) tube. An NG tube is put in through the nose and goes down into the stomach.
    
    
  • IV: An IV is a tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. This tube is capped or connected to tubing and liquid.
    
    
  • Medicines: Caregivers may give medicines if you have medical conditions. You may also need antibiotic medicines if there are bed sores present.
    
    
  • Surgery or wound care: You may need surgery to treat injuries, wounds, or other health conditions.
  
  
• For the abuser:
  
  
  • Medicines: Medicines may be given to treat depression and alcohol or substance abuse.
    
    
  • Psychotherapy: This is a type of counseling that is usually done in a series of meetings or talks. These meetings can help people understand why elder neglect happens, and learn about problems that an abuser might have.
    
    
  • Rehabilitation: An abuser may need to be put in an alcohol or substance abuse rehabilitation program. These programs may help him learn how to control or stop his drinking or drug problem.

Where can I find support and more information? Reporting elder neglect may be hard to do, but it is very important. By reporting elder neglect you will get the help that you need to stop it from continuing, or happening to you. Talk to your caregiver, family, or friends about your feelings. You and your family may also want to join a support group. This is a group of elders who may have also been neglected, abandoned, or medically abused. Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  PO Box 11210
  Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
  Phone: 1-913-906-6000
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

• National Center on Elder Abuse
  1201 15th Street, NW, Suite 350
  Washington, DC 20005
  Phone: 1-202-898-2586
  Web Address: http://www.elderabusecenter.org
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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