Psychological Abuse Of The Elderly

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 any person that is caring for an elder. 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 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 deceiving an elder to sign a document.
    
    
  • Missing items or belongings, such as money, jewelry, or documents.
    
    
  • 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 when a family member or someone is supposed to pay for them 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 having a recreation, going to church, or visiting friends.
    
    
  • Preventing the elder from deciding or acting for himself even if he has a sound mind.

How is psychological abuse of the elderly diagnosed?

Your caregiver will take a detailed health history from you. This may include information on the kind of psychological or emotional abuse that is occurring. He may ask you if you have been eating properly, taking medicines, given clothing, or been taken good care of. He may also want to know who is abusing you and how long the abuse has been taking place. You may need to take tests or answer written questions so your caregiver may learn more about your condition. You may also need other tests to see how well your body and brain is 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: 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 the elder and his assets.
    
    
  • Medicines: Caregivers may give medicines to calm, relax, or help you sleep. Other medicines may also be given if you have 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 you will get the help that you need to stop it from continuing, or happening to you. Talk to your caregiver, family, or friends about your feelings. Your caregiver can help you and your family better understand how to support you. You and your family may also want to join a support group. This is a group of elders who may have also been abused or not treated properly. Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
  Leawood , KS 66211-2680
  Phone: 1- 913 - 906-6000
  Phone: 1- 800 - 274-2237
  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

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.

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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.

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