Abuse of Older Adults

Introduction

It is agonizing that some individuals in our society have to put up with various forms of abuse which may be depicted emotionally, physically, sexually or even psychologically. While children and women of all ages have been identified as people who are mostly on the front line to experience these forms of abuse, it is unfortunate that the aged are victims too. In most cases, abuse amongst older individuals is unexplored probably because of the social virtues that require younger persons to respect, love and care for the old. Furthermore, in most cases, just like infants, the old persons are likely to be in a position where they fully require someone else’s attention. Cases of abuse against the old mostly take place from their own homes or from the facilities meant to give care to them. 

Issues Associated with the Abuse of Older Adults

Also referred to as ‘elder mistreatment,’ or ‘senior abuse,’ abuse among the older adults is ideally the act of treating the specified individuals inappropriately with the intention of harming them either physically, emotionally or psychologically. There are many issues that are associated with the abuse of older adults. Such include the infliction of physical harm, sexual abuse, financial exploitation and the neglect of their welfare promoting lack or poor care provision. An older adult is identified to be facing abuse when as clearly stated the orchestrators intentionally inflict harm on their bodies in various ways which may include sexually, physically or simply denying them proper care. On the other hand, some families may take advantage of their old members primarily to exploit them financially and extort them from their wealth (Bonnie & Wallace, 2003) . The most common practice that is observed globally is the isolation of the elderly into facilities meant for the old adults purposely to get rid of them simply because most feel they have become a burden. Cases of abuse amongst the elderly become intense when the individual is disabled, suffers from dementia, there is a poor relationship with other family members, and possible disorganization in the unit. 

According to Elizabeth Felton (2015), most of the social workers globally are equipped with knowledge and skills on how to handle matters that concern child and women abuse. Besides that, some are specialized in medical issues where they are expected to contribute to the care provided to the patients in question. It is unfortunate that most of the social workers are familiar with issues concerning elderly abuse on how and where to report. It is for these same reasons among others that issues concerning elderly abuse are rampant yet un-dealt with and less exposed. 

In the quest to tackle the issues of abuse against older adults, various social policies have been implemented with the goal of impacting human service professionals on ways they can aid in supporting the aged. For instance, some of the significant policies which over the years have been constantly changing for the sake of meeting the needs of the elderly include health insurance policy, senior program funding cuts, long-term care, hunger, and food insecurity and access to preventive benefits. Currently, in some developed countries like America, age persons over the 65 years are legible for health insurance covering all forms of illnesses. On the other hand, the government has ensured that they can have access to care in facilities caring for the old and rest assured that most of their needs shall be met. Human service professionals are also empowered with the relevant skills and experience primarily to fully participate in the provision of care for the elderly and education of their family members (Hinrichsen et al., 2010). 

One of the key needs of the elderly care and hence it is essential for involved persons to be equipped not only with the right kits but knowledge and skills. In order to deal with the issue of the older adults who face abuse, it is vital for the society members in support from the government to establish community services and supports specifically for the individuals responsible for the care and to the elderly. The main reasons for this are to deal and minimize possible occurrences of risk factors that are associated with abuse against the elder and definitely combat acts of abuse before they start or worsen. Some of the strategies that can be included are the provision of funds meant to train human service professionals on ways they can handle and intervene in cases of abuse against the elderly. On the other hand, the seniors can be indulged in activities that will not only prevent them from isolation but will help in the improvement of their interaction, health, and social engagement that will boost their self-awareness which on the other hand will reduce stereotypes toward aging.

Besides empowering the human service professionals with skills and knowledge of understanding what abuse towards the older adults is, it is vital to engage them in activities that will enlighten them on the core needs of their patients and ignite empathy in them. The human service professionals should be encouraged to respect and always be available whenever an elderly person needs their help of any sort. Human service professionals should be in a position to patiently take the elderly through the process of whatever activity they will be engaging in, for purposes of preparing them psychologically and being sure they consent with what’s ahead. 

Depending on the type of abuse an elderly being is facing, there are several human service programs that they can be referred to. For instance, a legal human service program can be an umbrella for most of the abuses since like most persons in the society; the elderly have a right to justice. Therefore, it is essential for most communities to impact the establishment of social programs that handle specific legal matters concerning abuse towards the elderly. Furthermore, older adults who have faced isolation and negligence which on the other hand has directly affected them health wise can be referred to a medical human service program where they can be checked and monitored to ensure they recover from whatever condition they are suffering from (National Institute of Aging, 2016) . 

Cases of abuse of older adults can be prevented by allocating stations and institutes that will aid in highlighting issues of abuse within the society. On the other hand, society members should be encouraged to speak up whenever they witness negligence or any other form of abuse towards the elderly. Just like channels meant to support children and women are active so should those for the elderly be. It is crucial for every stakeholder in the society to play their roles as required which will help in minimizing cases of abuse amongst the elderly. 

Conclusion

It is oblivious that abuse of the elderly is rampant yet unexploited primarily because of the involved take advantage of the existing age-related risk factors that in most cases are used as cover-ups. For instance, it is hard for the society to intervene in a case of abuse when the elderly victim is identified to have mental illness or is disabled. In order for this challenge to be combated and the elderly saved, relevant social programs have to be established and the society informed of the issue. 

References

Bonnie, R., & Wallace, R. (2003). Elder Mistreatment: Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation in an Aging America. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US).

Felton, E. (2015, September). Social Workers and Elder Abuse . Retrieved June 21, 2018, from National Association of Social Workers: https://www.naswal.org/page/ElderAbuse?

Hinrichsen, G., Kietzman, K., Alkema, G., Bragg, E., Hensel, B., & Miles, T. et al. (2010). Influencing Public Policy to Improve the Lives of Older Americans. The Gerontologist , 50 (6), 735-743. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnq034

National Institute of Aging. (2016, December 16). Elderly Abuse . Retrieved June 21, 2018, from National Institute of Aging: U.S Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/elder-abuse#types