Consumer Information

Psychological Abuse Of The Elderly For Family Members And Carers

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 be an abuser.
Psychological or emotional abuse includes insulting, threatening, humiliating, intimidating, or harassing through words or actions. This may also involve ignoring or not speaking to the elder, or isolating him from family members, friends, or his regular activities. Financial or material misuse and violation of rights may also be considered 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. The elder may become shy or withdrawn, or have depression or worsening health conditions.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.

CARE AGREEMENT:

The elder victim has the right to help plan his own care. To help with this plan, he must learn about his condition or situation. He can then discuss options with his caregivers. Working with them will help to decide what actions will be taken, and what care and treatment will be given. The victim always has the right to refuse actions or treatment.

RISKS:

Psychological abuse of the elderly is a serious problem, and treatment should begin as soon as possible. Being away from his family or friends and going to counseling may be hard and painful for the elder victim. If psychological abuse of the elderly is left untreated, he may develop serious health and mental problems. He may have problems with his funds, savings, or benefits. Repeated acts of psychological abuse and other forms of family violence may lead to more serious problems. The earlier psychological 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 psychological abuse is stopped. Ask caregivers if you and 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. The victim's 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.

Diet and nutrition: The victim needs to eat a variety of healthy foods every day. His diet should include fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, and protein (such as chicken, fish, and beans). Eating healthy foods may help him feel better and have more energy. A special diet may be considered depending on his condition. A caregiver, called a dietitian, may talk to you, the victim, or his family members or carer about feeding and nutrition. The victim may be told to eat foods that are low in fat, cholesterol, or salt.

In some cases, the victim may be given thickened liquids to drink or soft foods to eat. Some examples are applesauce, baby food, bananas, cooked cereal, cottage cheese, eggs, gelatin, pudding, and yogurt.
In some cases, the victim may be fed by an IV or a nasogastric (NG) tube. An IV is a tube placed in the elder victim's vein for giving medicine or liquids. An NG tube is put in through the nose and goes down into the stomach.

Medicines: The elder victim may need any of the following:

Anti-anxiety medicine: This medicine may be given to help the victim feel less nervous and more relaxed.
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.
Sedative: A sedative medicine may be given to help the victim stay calm and relaxed.
Other medicines: Different medicines may be given to treat other conditions. These may include medicines to treat his high blood pressure or sugar, cancer, or heart or kidney diseases.

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.

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 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.
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 his neuro signs checked often.
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 those who should be held responsible for the psychological abuse. This may include what may happen if psychological abuse is not stopped. The victim may need to leave his current living situation to escape the abuse.
Legal action: Police or other special agencies should be informed. They may help file complaints to stop the abuse. A special power of attorney may be given to someone who may truly take care of the victim and his assets.

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.

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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