Psychological Abuse Of The Elderly

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Psychological (si-ko-LOJ-i-kal) abuse, also called emotional abuse, 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. Psychological or emotional abuse occurs when an abuser or someone causes mental or emotional pain, distress, suffering, or anguish to an elder. Family members or any person that is caring for an elder may unknowingly or on purpose abuse them.
  
  
• Psychological or emotional abuse includes insulting, threatening, humiliating, intimidating, or harassing through words or actions. This may also involve ignoring the elder, giving silent treatment, or isolating him from family members, friends, or his regular activities. Financial or material misuse and violation of rights may also be considered as psychological abuse. Financial abuse happens when someone steals or improperly or illegally uses an elder's money, property, assets, or funds. With violation of rights, the elder's rights are ignored, limited, or completely not allowed even if he can think, decide, or act for himself.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms of psychological abuse may include anxiety, sleep problems, or changes in mood or eating patterns. You may become too shy or withdrawn, or have depression or worsening health conditions. An elder's property, money, or other assets may be missing or his signatures may be forged (copied). His rights may be violated by not allowing him to see or talk to others or do his usual activities. Psychological abuse may be diagnosed by a mental exam. Treatment for elders who are victims of psychological abuse may include medicines to calm him, treatment of present diseases, and counseling. When psychological abuse is reported and diagnosed, caregivers can help people who are at risk for, or are victims of psychological abuse.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Activity and rest: You may need to rest in bed and get plenty of sleep. Match your activity to the amount of energy you have. You may want to nap during the day. If you have trouble sleeping, tell your caregiver.

Counseling: Your caregiver may talk to you, your family, friends, or those who should be held responsible for the psychological or emotional abuse. This may include what may happen if psychological or emotional abuse is not stopped. You may need to leave your current living situation to escape your condition.

Legal action: A special power of attorney may be given to someone who may truly take care of you and your assets. Police or other special agencies should be informed. They may help properly file complaints to stop the abuse.

Self-care:

• Be patient and keep your hopes up for improvement. Try to be patient and not too hard on yourself. Be the first one to encourage yourself and find ways to boost your self-esteem. Working together with people you can trust may help you get through the hard times.
  
  
• Be well informed about new laws that may help. Laws are in place to help those who are victims of psychological or emotional abuse, financial or material misuse, or violation of rights. Contact the police or other special agencies when psychological abuse occurs. Reporting psychological abuse is the right thing to do. Caregivers may be required by law to report psychological abuse.
  
  
• Learn more about psychological or emotional abuse. The more you know about psychological abuse, the better you will be able to help yourself. Ask your caregiver for good sources of information. Work with your caregiver and other people recovering from psychological or emotional abuse, financial or material misuse, or violation of rights to help yourself.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You cannot get to the next meeting with your caregiver.
  
  
• You have new problems or signs and symptoms since the last time you visited your caregiver.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel like hurting yourself or someone else.
  
  
• You feel that you cannot cope with your condition, or your recovery from it.
  
  
• You have problems sleeping.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing, chest pain, or a fast heartbeat.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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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