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 You may become too shy or withdrawn, or have depression or worsening health conditions.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.

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:

Psychological abuse of the elderly is a serious problem, and treatment should begin as soon as possible. Being away from your family or friends and going to counseling may be hard and painful. If psychological abuse of the elderly is left untreated, you may develop serious health and mental problems. You may have problems with your 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. Your health, quality of life, and ability to function may improve if psychological 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.

Diet and nutrition:

Eat a variety of healthy foods every day. Your diet should include fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, and protein (such as chicken, fish, and beans). Eating healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy. A special diet may be considered depending on your condition. A caregiver, called a dietitian, may talk to you about your feeding and nutrition. You may be told to eat foods that are low in fat or cholesterol. You may also be told to limit the amount of salt you eat.

• If you have no problems eating orally (through your mouth), you may have a variety of healthy foods. You 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.
  
  
• If you have trouble eating food through your mouth, you may be fed by an IV or a nasogastric (NG) tube. An NG tube is put in through the nose and goes down into the stomach.

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:

• Antianxiety medicine: This medicine may be given to decrease anxiety and help you feel calm and relaxed.
  
  
• Sedative: This medicine is given to help you stay calm and relaxed.
  
  
• Other medicines: Different medicines may be given if you have other conditions that must be treated. These may include medicines to treat your high blood pressure or sugar or heart or kidney diseases.

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 need any of the following:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• CT scan: This test is also called a CAT scan. An x-ray and computer are used to take pictures of your skull and brain. You may be given dye, also called contrast, before the test. Tell the caregiver if you are allergic to dye, iodine, or seafood.
  
  
• 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.

Treatment option:

You may need any of the following:

• Counseling: Your caregiver may talk to you, your family, friends, or those who should be held responsible for the psychological abuse. He 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 properly file complaints to stop the abuse. A special power of attorney may be given to someone who may truly take care of you and your assets.

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.

Learn more about Psychological Abuse Of The Elderly (Inpatient Care)