Consumer Information

Psychological Abuse Of The Elderly For Family Members And Carers

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is psychological abuse of the elderly?

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. This may be unknowingly or purposely done by family members or a carer of an elder. A carer is someone who is paid or not paid for caring for the elderly victim. 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 psychological or emotional abuse. This 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. This happens even if the elder can think, decide, or act for himself. Psychological or emotional abuse may happen in the home of the elderly person or the abuser. It may also happen in nursing homes, foster or group homes or hospitals. Psychological abuse may lead to serious physical and mental pain, injury, disability, and neglect. When psychological abuse is reported and diagnosed, caregivers can help people who are at risk for, or who are victims of elder abuse.

What causes psychological abuse of the elderly? The exact cause of psychological abuse is not known. There are many things that may cause someone to psychologically 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 psychological 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 personality disorder, depression, or another mental illness.
- Has a history of family violence, such as physical or sexual abuse.
- Has stress due to work, taking care of the elder, or financial problems.
Risks related to the elder:
- Age more than 75 years.
- Has a great amount of money, properties, or other assets.
- 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.

What are the signs and symptoms of psychological abuse of the elderly? Any of the following may be present:

Psychological or emotional abuse:
- Always disturbed or frightened.
- Avoids eye contact or not talking openly to others.
- Feeling anxious, shy, depressed, or withdrawn.
- Hopelessness or low self-esteem.
- Sleep problems.
- Sudden changes of mood or eating patterns.
- Wanting to hurt himself or other people.
Financial or material exploitation:
- Cashing out an elder's check or getting his pensions without his knowledge or permission.
- Checks that have an elder's signature forged (copied) or signed even if he cannot write.
- Forcing or tricking an elder into signing a document.
- Missing items or belongings, such as money, jewelry, or important papers.
- Not having basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, or personal things that an elder's savings or wealth may afford.
- Unpaid bills, rents, debts, or credits that should be paid with the elder's entrusted money.
- Untreated medical or mental health problems.
Violation of rights:
- Keeping the elder inside the house and not letting other people call or visit him.
- Not giving mail, electronic mail, or phone calls to the elder.
- Not allowing the elder do his usual activities, such as getting exercise, going to church, or visiting friends.
- Preventing the elder from deciding or acting for himself even if he is able to.

How is psychological abuse of the elderly 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 psychological or emotional abuse that is occurring. He may be asked if he has been eating properly, taking medicines, given clothing, or been taken good care of. 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 condition. He may also need other tests to see how well his body and brain are working.

How is psychological abuse of the elderly treated? An elder who has been psychologically 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 psychologically abused elder:
- Counseling: Caregivers may talk to you, the victim, his family, carers, friends, or those who should be held responsible for the psychological abuse. Caregivers may explain the problems that can occur if psychological abuse is not noticed or stopped.
- 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 elder and his assets.
- Medicines: Caregivers may give medicines to calm, relax, or help the victim sleep. Other medicines may also be given if he has certain medical conditions.
For the abuser:
- 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 psychological 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.

Where can I find support and more information? Reporting psychological abuse may be hard to do, but it is very important. By reporting psychological 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. 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 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 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.

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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