In modern day America, elder abuse has emerged as one of the most important public health issues. Statistics show that elder abuse occurs on a regular basis, and incidence is as common as 1 out of 10 adults. However, cases of elder abuse are usually not reported, studies showing that only 1 out of 25 seniors report any form of abuse.
Due to the increase of the adult population in the United States, this issue has gone from being a societal problem to a nationwide epidemic. Lack of reporting or resources are two of the major constraints in the issue of elder abuse with the American population. Still, the issue of elder abuse as gained the attention of government and non-profit agencies, law enforcement, medical and healthcare providers, senior advocates, and the research community. The rapid growth of the American population, and the increase numbers of those who are seniors, means that the issue of elder abuse is now requiring more care and protection than ever before.
The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as a single or repeated act, or the lack of appropriate action, that occurs within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, and that causes harm or distress to an elderly individual. This type of abuse can be verbal, physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial. In addition to this, intentional or unintentional neglect can also be categorized as a form of elder abuse.
127 our experts are availableright now
Social isolation and the lack of social support place seniors at a significant risk for elder abuse. The loss of family members, friends, and acquaintances usually leads to the isolation among elderly individuals. Sometimes, this isolation can place a burden on those relatives or caregivers who remain, adding to the potential for elder abuse. While in the past children were often responsible for the care of their parents and elder relatives, migration has led to many adults being left alone, usually without the necessary means to pay for housing or every day expenses, and with limited options for care.
Abuse can take many forms, from yelling, threats, maltreatment, physical injuries, financial exploitation, sexual or psychological abuse, or neglect. Those caregivers who abuse, like their victims, also tend to come from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Sometimes one finds an abuser who is basically uncaring and cruel, while another can have good intentions, but is simply overwhelmed. Just as in the isolation scenario, many factors led to abuse, including finances, mental health issues, unhealthy family dynamics, and the lack of respite from the constant responsibility of caring for a senior and/or sick adult. Victims of elder abuse suffer from emotional pain, depression, lack of trust, financial issues, physical injuries, and an increased risk of mortality.
Elder abuse can be very complex, especially when determining the relationship between the victim and the abuser. Some of the factors that need to be taken into consideration when studying the reasoning behind the abuse include the type of abuse, the cognitive functioning of the victim and the abuser, the nature of their relationship, and the setting where the abuse is taking place. Contrary to what most people believe, senior victims of physical abuse tend to be high functioning. Rather than being bedbound or incapacitated, the victims of physical abuse are usually very active and independent.
In cases like these, the abuser is generally a family member, often an adult child of the victim. The abuse may originate on the dependency of the abuser on the victim, dependency which can be financial or health related. This creates a resentment toward the elderly individual, which eventually leads to physical abuse. In these scenarios, many of the victims are aware that they are being abused, yet their parental or family responsibility makes them reluctant to report the abuse and distance themselves from the abuser.
There are other types of elder abuse, such as neglect, which generally takes place when the victim has a cognitive impairment or is physically frail or unable to complete activities of daily living. In these cases, the family member or caregiver does not provide adequate care for the individual, either out of revenge, or simply because of lack of interest for the wellbeing of the elderly victim. This attitude is also usually found in cases of financial exploitation. These are scenarios where the victims lack the ability to discuss or monitor their finances, either due to cognitive impairment, being very trusting of their caregivers, or being worried about the eventual loss of independence.
Other common scenarios of elder abuse include some of the above-mentioned situations, where verbal or physical abuse is combined with financial exploitation and even neglect. As the elderly individual starts to decline due to health issues and/or age, there is more opportunity for isolation, and for a reliance on the caregiver, which results in mutual dependency. These are cases where the mental and physical outcome of the abuse is worse for the victim, as there is a combination of financial loss, mental abuse and stress, and physical neglect, injuries, or even death.
In the 5 case studies of elder abuse that were presented in the documentary, there are many similarities, with some differences within each of the cases reviewed. In all cases, the abusers rely on the victims’ fears, as well as their physical, emotional, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. The abusers instigate fear, physical and emotional abuse, while preying on their frailty and need for dependence and assistance.
In each of the elder abuse cases, one of the most significant similarities, was the constant excuses made by the victims with regard to their abusers. In all the presented scenarios, the elderly interviewed seemed to make excuses about the behavior of their abusers. Even though there were numerous opportunities for all of them to leave, and there were services in place that could have helped them with this, the elderly victims always maintained a position of obeyance, submission and forgiveness toward their abusers.
Norman, one of the individuals interviewed, is on his late 70s, and suffers from regular beatings from both of his adult sons, who live with him and his wife. Norman fears for his wellbeing and even his life, and understands that he cannot live with his family, yet he repeatedly fails to press charges out of the fear of more abuse at the hands of his two sons. Then there is the case of Dorothy and her son Gary. They have been struggling with their relationship for many years: Gary assaults Dorothy on a regular basis, which leads to her calling law enforcement, Gary leaving the home, and eventually coming back after a few days.
Dorothy has expressed frustration about their living arrangements, as they currently share one apartment. In the past, Dorothy and her son had different apartments, but Gary has financial issues, as well as alcoholism dependency. The son’s lack of emotional and financial stability has led to Dorothy to forgive him many times and allow him back at home, but Gary does not cooperate and reverses to his behaviors again and again. Dorothy seems exhausted about the situation but continues to allow it out of love and consideration for Gary.
In Lucille’s case, the onset of many debilitating health conditions has led to her being dependent on one of her daughters. After years of abuse in a domestic violence environment, Lucille thought she would be free from her now ex-husband. However, since the daughter does not want Lucille to be alone and refuses to send her to a facility where she can be monitored and be taken care of, Lucille’s ex-husband has become now her caregiver, while Lucille lives in her daughter’s house. There is no actual abuse on the part of the daughter, but she allows Lucille’s ex-husband to live with them, which causes great stress on Lucille, as she now feels unable to defend herself from any potential attacks or abuse.
Pat’s case is a combination of some of the other cases. After many years of marriage, Pat has resigned herself to be with her cruel and abusive husband. They are not elderly, and she believes she can face him without fearing for her wellbeing. The fact that Pat’s husband is elderly and frail does not stop him from being abusive, at all levels (he demeans her during the documentary, even though she is trying to take care of him in his hour of need). There is a sad end to the story, as Pat eventually succumbs to newly developed health conditions, her widowed husband emerging as the victor on this family drama.
Another case that shares similarities with the other cases is the story of Mary and her abusive son. This is another case where the son abuses the mother, who shows some defiance and valor, but continues to allow him back into the home, for various reasons. Mary has made reports which have led to her son’s conviction, but now that he is ready to leave the jail Mary is wondering whether she will be strong enough to say no to him.
There are different causes that lead to elder abuse. Lack of caregivers, family indifference, physical and mental stress and exhaustion of the caregiver, cognitive conditions, health issues, or financial problems: they all play an important role in cases of elder abuse. One of the best ways to reduce elder abuse is to prevent senior citizens from living with others who are or may become abusive.
In those cases where there is a history of abuse, of any kind, it is important to not allow that individual to live with the elderly. These circumstances usually lead to violence, as the abuser understands their victim to be vulnerable and weak. It is also important for the elderly to socialize and to participate in community events. Many people that reach certain age feel isolated, eventually developing depression, sadness, and loneliness.
There are scenarios where the elderly feel unwanted, that they are a burden, or that others have forgotten about them. Keeping the elderly close to good sources of support, and having regular contact with them, prevents the possibility of neglect or abuse. When the elderly have a good support system, they are more likely to ask for assistance, and others can notice any physical, psychological, or financial changes.
No matter how old, frail, or sick an individual can be, everyone deserves to be treated fairly and without fears about their health and wellbeing. By reporting any signs of abuse, society ensures that others, as their age, as well as any current or potential victims, remain safe from abuse and maltreatment. Whether the abuser is a close family member, an acquaintance, or a professional, it is important for abuse to be reported to the authorities. Any and all potentially abusive situations must be investigated, as the solution to elder abuse rests not only on the victim, but also on all members of society.
