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 You may become too shy or withdrawn, or have depression or worsening health conditions.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. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. 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: You have the right to understand your health condition in words that you know. You should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your condition. Your doctor should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to you. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen.

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 is a tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. This tube is capped or connected to tubing and liquid.

Medicines: You may need any of the following:

• Anti-anxiety medicine: This medicine may be given to help you feel less nervous and more relaxed.
  
  
• Sedative: A sedative medicine may be 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 to help you breathe easier. It may be given through a plastic mask over your mouth and nose. It may be given through a nasal cannula, or prongs, instead of a mask. A nasal cannula is a pair of short, thin tubes that rest just inside your nose. Tell your caregiver if your nose gets dry or if the mask or prongs bother you. Ask your caregiver before taking off your oxygen. Never smoke or let anyone else smoke in the same room while your oxygen is on. Doing so may cause a fire.

Tests: You may need any of the following:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a blood vessel in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. It is tested to see how your body is doing. It can give your caregivers more information about your health condition. You may need to have blood drawn more than once.
  
  
• CT scan:
  
  
  • This is also called a CAT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your brain. It may be used to look at bones, muscles, brain tissue, and blood vessels.
    
    
  • You may be given dye before the pictures are taken. The dye is usually given in your IV. 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 the caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, or have other allergies or medical conditions.
  
  
• Neurologic signs: Neurologic signs are also called neuro signs, neuro checks, or neuro status. Caregivers check your eyes, your memory, and how easily you wake up. Your hand grasp and balance may also be tested. This helps tell caregivers how your brain is working after an injury or illness. You may need to have your neuro signs checked often. Your caregiver may even have to wake you up to check your neuro signs.

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: This includes taking your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeat), and respirations (counting your breaths). To take your blood pressure, a cuff is put on your arm and tightened. The cuff is attached to a machine which gives your blood pressure reading. Caregivers may listen to your heart and lungs by using a stethoscope. Your vital signs are taken so caregivers can see how you are doing.

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.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page