Physical abuse of the elderly, also called battered elder syndrome or granny battering, 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. Physical abuse occurs when someone harms an elder, or places them in danger. Family members or any person that is caring for an elder may unknowingly or on purpose be an abuser. Physical abuse includes hitting, slapping, kicking, pushing, pulling hair, burning, and force-feeding. This may also include giving too much or too little medicine, or using physical restraints, knives, or firearms.
Sexual abuse may also be considered physical abuse. Sexual abuse is when someone has sexual contact with an elder without their consent. This may include kissing, displaying genitals, or using force to have sex. Physical and sexual abuse may happen in the home of the elderly person or the abuser. It may also happen in nursing homes, foster or group homes, hospitals, or board and care locations. Physical abuse may lead to physical, emotional, and mental pain, serious injury, and disability. When elder abuse is reported and diagnosed, caregivers can help people who are at risk for, or who are victims of elder abuse.
What causes physical abuse of an elder? The exact cause of physical abuse of an elder is not known. There are many things that may cause someone to 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 physical 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:
Shows aggressive or disruptive behavior.
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.
What are the signs and symptoms of physical abuse of an elder? You may have unexplained repeated falls or injuries. You may have old injuries that were not treated when they happened. You may have any of the following:
Abrasions (scratches), or bite marks. You may have marks from objects used for restraining, such as belts, ropes, or electrical cords.
Broken or dislocated bones.
Contusions (bruises), especially on both upper arms (grab marks).
Lacerations (cuts) or scars.
Scars or burns from cigarettes, irons, or hot water.
Unexplained blood or discharge coming from the nose, mouth, or genitals.
Unusual loss of hair in body areas.
How is physical abuse of an elder diagnosed? Your caregiver will take a detailed health history from you. This may include information on the kind of physical abuse you may be getting. He may ask you if you have been hit, slapped, injured, or touched sexually without your consent. 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 physical abuse. You may also need any of the following tests:
Blood and urine tests: Samples of blood and urine may be sent to a lab for tests.
Computerized tomography scan: This is also called a CT or CAT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your head and body. It will look at your bones, muscles, blood vessels, and organs. You may be given dye by mouth or in an IV before the pictures are taken. 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 your caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish or have other allergies.
Culture and smear exam: A sample of discharge may be collected from an area such as the eyes or genitals, and taken to a lab for tests.
Pelvic exam: Women may need to have an internal or vaginal exam. The exam will give caregivers information about any injuries that may have resulted from the abuse.
X-rays: You may need to have x-rays. Caregivers may use these pictures to see if any bones have been broken or are displaced. X-rays of your chest and abdomen (stomach) may also be taken.
How is physical abuse of an elder treated? An elder that has been physically 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 abused elder:
Counseling: Your caregiver may talk to you, your family, friends, or the abuser about physical abuse. He may explain the problems that can occur if elder abuse is not noticed or stopped.
Medicines: Caregivers may give you medicine to help ease your pain. You may need antibiotic medicine or a tetanus shot if there is an open wound. Medicines may also be given if you have other medical conditions.
Surgery: You may need surgery to treat injuries. Surgery may return bones to their normal position if there is a fracture (broken bone). Surgery may also be needed to correct a deformity or treat other injuries.
For the abuser:
Criminal prosecution: Abusers may be arrested and punished.
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 physical 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 abuse may be hard to do, but it is very important. By reporting 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 physically or sexually abused. Contact the following for more information:
American Academy of Family Physicians PO Box 11210 Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210 Phone: 1-913-906-6000 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. 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.
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.
