Physical Abuse Of The Elderly For Family Members And Carers

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Physical abuse of the elderly, also called battered elder syndrome or granny battering, is a form of family violence. 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. Physical abuse occurs when someone harms an elder, or places them in danger. 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. Physical abuse includes hitting, slapping, kicking, pushing, pulling hair, burning, and force-feeding. This may also include giving too much or too little medicine, or using physical restraints, knives, or firearms. Sexual abuse of an elder may also be considered physical abuse. Sexual abuse is when someone has sexual contact without that person's consent. This may include kissing, displaying genitals, or using force to have sex.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms of abuse may include unexplained repeated falls or injuries. The elder may have old injuries that were not treated when they happened. Abrasions (scratches), bite marks, or marks from objects used for restraint, may also be present. He may also have blood or discharge coming from the nose, mouth, or genitals, cuts, broken bones, or scars. Physical abuse may be diagnosed by a physical exam, blood or urine tests, x-rays, or computed tomography (CT) scan. Treatment for elders who are victims of physical abuse may include medicine to treat pain, and counseling. Surgery may be needed to treat their injuries. When elder abuse is reported and diagnosed, caregivers can help people who are at risk for, or are victims of elder abuse.

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:

• Physical abuse of the elderly is a serious, life-threatening problem, and treatment should be given as soon as possible. Medicines used to ease pain caused by physical abuse may cause rashes, nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), or stomach ulcers (sores). He may bleed or get an infection if he has surgery to treat his wounds, fractures, or other injuries.
  
  
• If physical abuse is left untreated, the victim may develop serious health and mental problems. Repeated acts of violence may lead to severe (very bad) injuries or death. The earlier physical abuse is treated, the better the chances of preventing future problems. The elder victim's health, quality of life, and ability to function may improve if physical abuse is stopped. Ask caregivers if you or the victim are worried or have questions about his condition, treatment, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

The elder 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. His 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.

IV:

An IV is a tube placed in the elder victim's vein for giving medicine or liquids. This tube is capped or connected to tubing and liquid.

Medicines:

The elder victim may need any of the following:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by 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.
  
  
• Tetanus shot: This medicine prevents a condition called tetanus, and may be given if there is an open wound. It is given as a shot. The victim should have a tetanus shot if he has not had one in the past 5 to 10 years.

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. Never smoke or let anyone else smoke in the same room while oxygen is being used. Doing so may cause a fire.

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 also 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 or CAT 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.
  
  
• Culture and smear exam: A sample of discharge may be collected from an area such as the eyes or genitals, and taken to a lab for tests.
  
  
• 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 neuro signs checked often.
  
  
• Pelvic exam: Women may need to have an internal or vaginal exam. The exam will give caregivers information about any injuries that may have occurred from the abuse.
  
  
• 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 the abuser about physical abuse. This may include what may happen if the abuse is not stopped. The victim may need to leave his current living situation to escape the abuse.
  
  
• Surgery: The victim may need surgery to treat injuries. Surgery may return bones to their normal position if there is a fracture (broken bone). Surgery may also be needed to correct a deformity or treat other injuries.

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. His vital signs are taken so caregivers can see how he is doing.

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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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