Discussion 2: Elder Abuse

Each year on or around June 15, communities and municipalities around the world plan activities and programs to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day set aside to spread awareness of the abuse of the elderly (Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse & Neglect, 2013). The abuse of older adults is a growing concern and statistics suggest that the number of elders experiencing abuse is an alarmingly high number. Research suggests that close to half the people diagnosed with dementia experience some form of abuse (Cooper, C., Selwood, A., Blanchard, M., Walker, Z., Blizard, R., & Livingston, G., 2009; Wiglesworth, A., Mosqueda, L., Mulnard, R., Liao, S., Gibbs, L., & Fitzgerald, W., 2010, as cited on http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/Library/Data/index.aspx). Elder abuse takes on many forms and can include physical, emotional, psychological, and economic abuse. The legendary American actor, Mickey Rooney, spoke to the United States Senate, describing his own experiences of pain and neglect at the hands of his stepson, asking legislators to take seriously the abuse of the elderly.

For this Discussion,  find a scholarly article that presents some of the most important psychosocial issues related to elder abuse.

Post a summary of the article you found. How does the article reinforce the importance of assessing potential abuse and neglect when working with the elderly? Describe prevention and/or intervention strategies on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels that can be used to address the issue of abuse and neglect of the elderly.

Support your posts with specific references to the Learning Resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Psychosocial issues related to elder abuse

Elder abuse is a hidden epidemic. It’s difficult to detect and even more difficult to talk about. As our population ages, the problem is only getting worse. In this blog post, we will explore some of the psychosocial issues related to elder abuse. Elder abuse can take many forms, from physical and sexual abuse to financial exploitation and emotional manipulation. But no matter what form it takes, elder abuse is always a violation of an older person’s rights. It’s important to be aware of the signs of elder abuse so that you can help prevent it or get help if you or someone you know is a victim.

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse can take many forms, but is generally defined as any type of mistreatment that causes harm or distress to an older person. It can include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as financial exploitation and neglect.

Elder abuse is often perpetrated by someone the victim knows and trusts, such as a family member, friend, or caregiver. Unfortunately, this type of abuse can be difficult to detect and may go unreported for a long time. If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, it’s important to reach out and get help.

If you are an older adult who is experiencing abuse, there are resources available to help you. You can contact your local law enforcement or social services agency, or call the National Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Signs of elder abuse

There are many signs that may indicate that an older adult is being abused. These include bruises, cuts, or burns that are not consistent with the older adult’s explanation; fractures; welts; lacerations; and internal bleeding. Additionally, the older adult may have signs of restraint, such as rope marks on wrists or ankles.

The older adult may also exhibit changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn or agitated, exhibiting sudden changes in mood or personality, or displaying fearfulness. Additionally, the older adult may have difficulty sleeping or suffer from nightmares.

If you suspect that an older adult is being abused, it is important to seek help from a professional who can assess the situation and provide support and resources.

Who commits elder abuse?

There is no single answer to this question as elder abuse can be committed by anyone, regardless of age, gender, or relationship to the victim. However, there are some general trends that can be observed. In most cases of elder abuse, the abuser is someone who is close to the victim, such as a family member or caretaker. This is often due to the fact that abusers have a position of power or trust over their victims, which they can exploit for their own gain. Additionally, abusers may target elders because they are seen as being weaker and less able to defend themselves.

Why does elder abuse happen?

There is no one answer to this question as elder abuse can happen for a variety of reasons. In some cases, it may be due to financial exploitation, with the abuser using the victim’s money for their own gain. In other cases, it may be due to physical or emotional mistreatment, with the abuser using violence or threats of violence to control the victim.

It is important to remember that elders are often isolated from their families and friends, which can make them easy targets for abusers. Additionally, many abusers are themselves elderly and may be experiencing mental health issues or cognitive decline, which can contribute to their abusive behavior.

The impact of elder abuse

Elder abuse is a serious problem that can have a profound impact on the victim. Elder abuse can lead to physical and emotional trauma, and can also cause financial hardship. Victims of elder abuse may also suffer from social isolation and anxiety. Elder abuse can have a lasting impact on the victim’s health and well-being. If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, it is important to get help.

How to prevent elder abuse

Elder abuse is a serious problem that can have a devastating impact on the victim. It is important to be aware of the signs of elder abuse and to take action to prevent it.

There are four main types of elder abuse: physical, sexual, emotional, and financial.

Physical abuse is the use of physical force against an elderly person that results in injury or harm. This can include hitting, shoving, kicking, biting, choking, or using a weapon against them.

Sexual abuse is any type of sexual contact with an elderly person without their consent. This can include rape, molestation, or forced sexual acts.

Emotional abuse is any type of verbal or nonverbal mistreatment that causes emotional pain or distress. This can include name-calling, threats, intimidation, mind games, or social isolation.

Financial abuse is the illegal or improper use of an elderly person’s money or property. This can include theft, fraud, coercion, or exploitation.

Elder abuse is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to support victims and help prevent further abuse from occurring.

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