Physical Abuse Of The Elderly

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 any person that is caring for an elder may unknowingly or on purpose abuse them. 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. You 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. You 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 your 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:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have 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). You may bleed or get an infection if you have surgery to treat your wounds, fractures, or other injuries.
  
  
• If physical abuse is left untreated, you 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. Your health, quality of life, and ability to function may improve if physical abuse is stopped. Ask your caregivers if you are worried or have questions about your condition, treatment, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Activity:

At first, you may need to rest in bed and get plenty of sleep. If you have trouble breathing or chest pain, call your caregiver right away.

IV:

An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain.
  
  
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling a caregiver when you want to get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Tetanus shot: This medicine keeps you from getting tetanus, and may be given if you have an open wound. It is given as a shot. You should have a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the past 5 to 10 years. Your arm can get red, swollen, and sore after getting this shot.

Oxygen:

You may need extra oxygen if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your caregiver before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.

Tests:

You may be given a dye before pictures are taken for some of the following tests. 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. You may need any of the following:

• 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. It will look at your 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.
  
  
• Heart monitor: This test is also called an EKG or ECG. Sticky pads are placed on your skin to record your heart's electrical activity. An EKG gives information about how your heart is working. Lie as still as possible during the test.
  
  
• Neurologic exam: This is also called neuro signs, neuro checks, or neuro status. A neurologic exam can show caregivers how well your brain works after an injury or illness. Caregivers will check how your pupils (black dots in the center of each eye) react to light. They may check your memory and how easily you wake up. Your hand grasp and balance may also be tested.
  
  
• 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: 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.

Treatment options:

You may need any of the following:

• Counseling: Your caregiver may talk to you, your family, friends, or the abuser about physical abuse. This may include what may happen if the abuse is not stopped. You may need to leave your current living situation to escape the abuse.
  
  
• Surgery: You 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:

Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.

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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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