Physical Abuse Of The Elderly For Family Members And Carers
 |
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is physical abuse of the elderly?
- 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 the 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 may also be considered physical abuse. Sexual abuse is when someone has sexual contact with an elder without their consent. This may include kissing, displaying genitals, or using force to have sex. Physical and sexual abuse 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. Physical abuse may lead to physical, emotional, and mental pain, serious injury, and disability. When elder abuse is reported and diagnosed, caregivers can help people who are at risk for, or who are victims of elder abuse.
What causes physical abuse of an elder? The exact cause of physical abuse of an elder is not known. There are many things that may cause someone to abuse 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 physical abuse:
- 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, and marijuana.
- Has a history of family violence, such as physical or sexual abuse.
- Has a personality disorder, depression, or another mental illness.
- Has stress due to work, taking care of the elder, or financial problems.
- Depends heavily on the elder for things such as money or housing.
- 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.
- Shows aggressive or disruptive behavior.
- Has learning or memory problems.
What are the signs and symptoms of physical abuse of an elder? The victim may have unexplained repeated falls or injuries. He may have old injuries that were not treated when they happened. He may also have any of the following:
- Abrasions (scratches), or bite marks. There may be marks from objects used for restraining, such as belts, ropes, or electrical cords.
- Broken or dislocated bones.
- Contusions (bruises), especially on both upper arms (grab marks).
- Lacerations (cuts) or scars.
- Scars or burns from cigarettes, irons, or hot water.
- Unexplained blood or discharge coming from the nose, mouth, or genitals.
- Unusual loss of hair in body areas.
How is physical abuse of an elder diagnosed? A caregiver will take a detailed health history from the victim or his family members or carers. This may include information on the kind of physical abuse the victim may be getting. He may be asked if he has been hit, slapped, injured, or touched sexually without his consent. Caregivers may also want to know who the abuser is, and how long the abuse has been happening. The victim may need to take tests or answer written questions so his caregiver may learn more about his physical abuse. He 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 scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of the victim's head and body. The test shows bones, muscles, blood vessels, and organs. Dye may be given before the pictures are taken to show body areas 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.
- 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.
- Pelvic exam: Women may need to have an internal or vaginal exam. The exam will give caregivers information about any injuries that may have resulted from the abuse.
- X-rays: X-ray pictures may show bones that are broken or out of place. X-rays of the victim's chest and abdomen (stomach) may also be taken.
How is physical abuse of an elder treated? An elder that has been physically abused may be placed in an 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 abused elder:
- Counseling: Caregivers may talk to you, the victim, his family, friends, or the abuser about physical abuse. Caregivers may explain the problems that can occur if elder abuse is not noticed or stopped.
- Medicines: Caregivers may give the victim medicine to help ease his pain. He may need antibiotic medicine or a tetanus shot if there is an open wound. Medicines may also be given if he has other medical conditions.
- 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.
- Counseling: Caregivers may talk to you, the victim, his family, friends, or the abuser about physical abuse. Caregivers may explain the problems that can occur if elder abuse is not noticed or stopped.
- For the abuser:
- Criminal prosecution: Abusers may be arrested and punished.
- 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 physical abuse 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.
- Criminal prosecution: Abusers may be arrested and punished.
Where can I find support and more information? Reporting abuse may be hard to do, but it is very important. By reporting abuse, the victim will get the help that he needs to stop the abuse from happening or continuing. Talk to the elder victim and help him discuss his feelings. The victim's caregiver can help you, or his family and friends better understand how to support the victim. You, the elder victim, and his family may also want to join a support group. This is a group of elders who may have also been physically or sexually 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:
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.
 |
Link to Page |  |
Print Page |  |
Email Page |
