Elder Abuse Prevention: Why Community Matters

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Older adults can be especially vulnerable to abuse due to a number of different factors ranging from poor health and social isolation to economic status. Social stigma also plays a significant part. particularly where the older person is dismissed or even mistreated due to ageism.

Regardless of whether they are a family member, a friend or someone you know in your community, it’s vital to advocate for groups at increased risk of abuse (including senior adults) in a way that helps protect their autonomy, independence and dignity.

About Elder Abuse

As with many other abusive situations, elder abuse tends to take place behind closed doors. Typically, this tends to be at the older person’s home, but it can also occur within care institutions.

Perpetrators of elder abuse may be unfamiliar to the victim (for example, scammers), but they may also be care providers such as friends, family or professional care providers. You can find out more on how to report a nursing home for neglect here.

When Care Turns to Abuse

While there is never an excuse for abuse, caregiver stress, coupled with a lack of social support can create increased risk, while those with an already-strained relationship with the older person may also be at risk of developing abusive tendencies. 

Prevention of caregiver burnout (and subsequent risk of abuse) involves reducing the pressure on caregivers by distributing care duties among a “team” of people including healthcare professionals to trusted friends and family members, and allowing for regular respite breaks.

Additional Risk Factors for Abusive Behavior

Other factors that may lead a person to abuse a senior person may involve:

• Substance abuse
• Financial dependence (on the victim)
• Poor mental health, particularly where there is a tendency towards aggression.

More broadly, social and cultural factors can also increase the risk of elder abuse, especially where ageism and violence are normalized. 

Protecting Seniors: Know the Signs

Red flags for elder abuse may be very subtle, which is why it’s especially important to be aware of them. In addition to visible signs of physical or sexual abuse such as welts, bruises, or signs of neglect (such as malnutrition, unsanitary conditions or being under or over-medicated), there may also be signs of “invisible” abuse.

Financial, psychological or emotional abuse may show up as unusual behavioral changes, such as becoming increasingly withdrawn or fearful. There may also be evidence of financial exploitation, such as unexplained outgoings from their account. 

Where to Get Help

Older victims of abuse may feel shame, fear or even be in denial about their situation, while others may have cognitive difficulties affecting working memory, all of which can make self-reporting more difficult. 

When reporting elder abuse, safeguarding is essential. If there is immediate danger, call 911, but if there are ongoing concerns, it’s important to go through the proper channels in order to keep the older person safe from further harm. Many local or national agencies can help, such as The National Center for Elder Abuse, Adult Protective Services, or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

Ultimately the best form of help is preventative: avoiding isolation is vital for reducing the risk of harm to elders (while also helping promote better cognitive health). In the parenting community, the idea of the “village” is often spoken about. When it comes to senior care, the same applies.