It’s difficult to take care of a senior when he or she has many different needs, and it’s difficult to be elderly when age brings with it infirmities and dependence. Both the demands of care giving and the needs of the elder can create situations in which abuse is more likely to occur.
Throughout the world, abuse and neglect of older adults remains under-recognized or treated as an unspoken problem; yet every year, an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of physical, psychological, or other forms of abuse and neglect, according to the American Psychological Association’s Office on Aging. The good news is there is something that can be done about it: listen, intervene and educate. Knowledge is power in the case of elder abuse.
Who is at Risk?
Many nonprofessional caregivers — spouses, adult children, other relatives — find taking care of a senior a satisfying and enriching experience. On the flip side, the responsibilities and demands of senior care giving, which escalate as the senior’s condition deteriorates, can be extremely stressful.
The stress of senior care can lead to mental and physical health problems that make caregivers feel burned out, impatient, and unable to keep from lashing out against the senior in their care. This is when there is a heightened risk of elder abuse. If you or someone you know exhibits any of the following characteristics, these are warning signs that there is a higher risk of senior abuse:
• Inability to cope with stress (lack of resilience);
• Depression, which is common among caregivers;
• Lack of support from other potential caregivers;
• The caregiver’s perception that taking care of the senior is burdensome and without psychological reward; and/or
• Substance abuse.
Preventing elder abuse and neglect
Concerned friends and family can intervene or watch for warning signs that might indicate elder abuse. If abuse is suspected, report it. Preventing elder abuse means doing three things: listening to seniors and their caregivers; intervening when you suspect elder abuse; and educating others about how to recognize and report elder abuse.
Think logically about day-to-day life and what could trigger mood swings or cause stress. Call and visit often. Offer to stay with the senior so the caregiver can have a break — on a regular basis.
How seniors can protect themselves
It can also be a good idea to open up a dialogue with the seniors in your life about protecting themselves. If seniors are unhappy with the care they’re receiving, whether it’s in their own home or in a care facility, they should speak up. By letting them know it is ok to do so, you may be surprised what you hear. Encourage an open dialogue about their living situation and care. During the month of June, Visiting Nurses of Aroostook will be featuring more elder abuse resources and tips at www.easternmainehomecare.org.
Visiting Nurses of Aroostook, a part of the Eastern Maine HomeCare, is celebrating 42 years of service. VNA was founded in 1969 and provides comprehensive in-home health and hospice services for Aroostook County residents. Last year VNA’s caring staff drove 395,000 miles to provide 19,397 visits to nearly 1,000 patients and their families. Although home care services are paid for by public and private sources, or directly by patients and their families, tax-exempt donations help cover the cost of care provided to the uninsured or underinsured.
For more information about our home care and hospice services, please visit www.easternmainehomecare.org or call our EMHC Patient Referral Line toll-free at 1-866-591-8843.
Deb Jacques is community relations manager for Eastern Maine HomeCare.
