Elder neglect is the most common form of family violence and physical abuse of the elderly. 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. Elder neglect occurs when someone fails to fulfill his obligation of taking care and meeting the needs of an elder. This may be unknowingly or purposely done by family members or a carer of an elder. A carer is someone who is paid or not paid for caring for the elderly victim. Elder neglect includes not giving food, clothing, shelter, medicine, or care that is needed for every day living. This may also involve not bathing, dressing, or feeding the elder.
Abandonment and medical abuse may also be considered elder neglect. Elder abandonment is when someone has withdrawn or given up supporting an elder. This may include completely leaving the elder alone in an unsafe place. With medical abuse, needed treatments are not given, or the wrong amount of medicines are given. Elder neglect 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. Elder neglect may lead to physical, emotional and mental pain, serious injury, and disability. When elder neglect is reported and diagnosed, caregivers can help people who are at risk for, or who are victims of elder abuse.
What causes elder neglect? The exact cause of elder neglect is not known. There are many things that may cause someone to neglect 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 elder neglect:
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, or 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:
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.
More than 75 years of age.
Shows aggressive or disruptive behavior.
What are the signs and symptoms of elder neglect? The elder victim may have any of the following:
Bad breath, bleeding gums, or problems with their mouth or teeth.
Body pain and weakness.
Dehydration (loss of too much body fluids and electrolytes).
Depression or worsening health condition.
Dirty, or wearing dirty clothes.
Pressure ulcers (bed sores) at the lower back, hip, or thigh areas.
Weight loss.
How is elder neglect diagnosed? A caregiver will take a detailed health history from the victim or his family members or carers. This may include information on the kind of psychological or emotional abuse that is occurring. He may be asked if he has been eating properly, taking medicines, given clothing, or been taken good care of. Caregivers may also want to know who the abuser is, and how long the abuse has been happening. The victim may need to take tests or answer written questions so his caregiver may learn more about his condition. The victim 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 scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of the victim's head and body. Dye may be given before the pictures are taken to show body areas better. Tell a caregiver if the victim is allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp), as he may also be allergic to some dyes.
X-rays: X-rays may show bones that are broken or out of place. X-rays of the victim's chest and abdomen (stomach) may also be taken.
How is elder neglect treated? An elder who has been neglected 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 neglected elder:
Counseling: Caregivers may talk to you, the victim, his family, carers, friends, or those who should be held responsible for elder neglect. Caregivers may explain the problems that can occur if elder neglect is not noticed or stopped.
Diet and nutrition: The victim should eat a variety of healthy foods. A special diet may be considered depending on the victim's condition. A caregiver, called a dietitian, may talk to you, the victim, or his family members or carer about feeding and nutrition. The victim may be fed by an IV or a nasogastric (NG) tube. An NG tube is put in through the nose and goes down into the stomach.
IV: An IV is a tube placed in the elder victim's vein for giving medicine or liquids. This tube is capped or connected to tubing and liquid.
Medicines: Caregivers may give medicines if the victim has medical conditions. He may also need antibiotic medicines if there are bed sores present.
Surgery or wound care: The victim may need surgery to treat injuries, wounds, or other health 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 elder neglect 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 elder neglect may be hard to do, but it is very important. By reporting elder neglect, the victim will get the help that he needs to stop the abuse from happening or continuing. Talk to the elder victim and help him discuss his feelings. You, the elder victim, and his family may also want to join a support group. This is a group of elders who may have also been neglected, abandoned, or medically 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:
The elder victim has the right to help plan his own care. To help with this plan, he must learn about his health condition and how it may be treated. He can then discuss treatment options with his caregivers. Working with them will help to decide what care and treatment may be used. The victim always has 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.
