Preventing Elderly Abuse

Elderly Abuse People tend to think of women or children whenever the word “abuse” is mentioned. However, elder abuse is a growing problem in the United States along with the abuse of children and women. The issue of elders being abused, neglected and exploited is more common than you think. The life span has increased over time and many adults look forward to the years of retirement as an opportunity to spend time with their family and friends. On the other hand, relaxing time of retirement can turn into years of abuse for those adults that are dependent on others for their basic needs. It is important to address the issue, solution for it and how to prevent the problem from reoccurring in the future. As the baby boomers age and the life

Such abuse may be inflicted by other individuals, including family member and

First it is important to recognize the symptoms of elder abuse in order to prevent it from happening. Physical abuse signs and symptoms that should not be ignored are unexplained body injuries, drug overdose or not taking drugs regularly. An elder showing signs of dementia could be a symptom of psychological abuse. Sexual abuse with an elderly is also very common resulting in bruises around breasts or genitals. Neglecting can be noticed by recognition of malnutrition, weight loss, dehydration, and bad hygiene. Elders are also financially exploited by their caretakers or family members by withdrawals from the elder’s account, cash missing from household or any other suspicious financial changes. The first step to preventing elder abuse is recognizing all these signs and symptoms. Other ways to prevent this abuse are: educating people on elder abuse, lighten the load of stress of the caretaker by having someone else take care of the elder for few hours, social communication is important and counseling. According to, Results from an elder abuse prevention experiment in New York City, “Along with increased awareness of the need to respond decisively to elder abuse has come an increased appreciation that elder abuse, like spousal violence and other forms of family abuse, is a complex problem. Arrest, prosecution, abuser education, social