When we think of our elders like our mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers, who have always been a big part of our lives and who have always treated us with love, don't we feel great respect? But, sometimes, these precious people have to face harassment and troubles in ways we never thought possible . That's what we are going to talk about today. Although this is a bit of a sensitive topic, it is very important for all of us to be aware of this.
What is Elder Abuse?
Simply put, elder abuse is the intentional harm done to someone over the age of 60. This harm can be physical, psychological, neglectful, or defrauding them of things like money. However, it causes great harm and suffering to the elderly person.
Sadly, this type of abuse often comes from those closest to the elderly. This could be family members or caregivers. If this happens to you or an elderly person you know, you should definitely report it to the authorities or adult protection services.
What are the possible ways this harassment can occur?
These misdeeds that happen to adults can come in many forms. Let's look at some of the main ones.
1. Physical Abuse
This means physical harm. This includes things like pushing, hitting, slapping, and forcibly holding limbs . This can cause pain, injuries, and even bone fractures . Just think, as you get older, your body becomes weaker, and even small things can cause big damage.
2. Sexual Abuse
This is a very sad thing. This is the act of forcing someone to engage in sexual activity without their consent, or to watch or participate in sexual activities . The psychological damage this can cause is unimaginable.
3. Neglect
This is the intentional failure to provide the basic needs of an elderly person, such as food, shelter, medicine, and clothing . Sometimes, the caregiver does not provide these properly. Another is self- neglect . This means that some elderly people reach a point where they are unable to care for themselves, either physically or mentally. At that point, they need help.
4. Financial Abuse
This is something that is becoming more common in society these days. It includes stealing money from adults, forcibly taking their property, forging their signatures, using bank cards without permission, or taking their pensions and allowances for their own benefit . Sometimes, they talk, threaten , and trick people into signing things.
5. Emotional Abuse
This is something that is not visible to the eye, but it causes great pain to the heart. Things like shouting at someone, threatening them in a frightening way, constantly blaming them, humiliating them, and ignoring them are called emotional abuse or psychological abuse. This causes a lot of pain and depression to the person.
6. Abandonment
This means that an elderly person who needs help and cannot live alone is left alone by the person responsible for their care without any help . This is very inhumane.
Remember, sometimes more than one of these types of harassment can happen to the same adult.
Who is most likely to be affected by this type of harassment?
In fact, these things can happen to anyone. It doesn't matter what race, religion, gender, or wealth. However, some people are at a slightly higher risk :
- People over 60 years of age.
- People with an underlying health condition that affects things like walking, thinking, and remembering (for example, people with conditions like dementia are at higher risk, as they may have difficulty understanding and talking about what is happening to them).
- People who need help from others to do their jobs, or people who live in a place like a nursing home.
- People who are alone, with no one around to help them.
It is also said that, in general, women are more at risk of this type of violence than men.
How common is this kind of harassment?
Sadly, this is more common than you might think. This situation has been seen in many countries around the world. It is the same in our country. Even though there are laws, most of the time these things go unreported. People hide these things out of shame and fear.
Where can elder abuse occur?
This can happen anywhere. The most common places to see it are:
- The adult lives in their own home .
- In a group home .
- In an assisted living or care facility.
How do you recognize that an adult is being bullied? (Symptoms)
This is the most important part. How do we know if someone is in trouble? Here are some signs to look out for:
- If you notice any unexplained wounds, scrapes, burns, bruises, scars, or bone fractures, you may even develop bed sores.
- If you suddenly feel like being alone, if you distance yourself from the things you do every day.
- If you are suffering from insomnia.
- If you notice changes in behavior, frequent anger, agitation, or depression.
- If you are losing weight for no reason.
- If you say you're always tired and feel like you have no energy.
- If you are not allowed to use everyday items such as glasses, walkers, and hearing aids.
- If the place you live in is dirty and unsafe.
- If there are sudden, unexplained changes in your finances (e.g., sudden decrease in money, new debts arising).
- If your illness worsens to the point where you have to go to the emergency room frequently or stay in the hospital.
If you see something like this, please look into it.
What are the consequences of this harassment?
Bullying an adult can have short-term and long-term effects on their physical and mental health. These include:
- Mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
- Fear and distrust of others.
- Severe mental stress.
- Physical injuries that may lead to disability.
- If existing medical conditions are not treated properly, they can worsen and even become life-threatening.
Sometimes this elder abuse can be life-threatening. If you or someone you know has been in an accident, please call the police (119) or your local emergency number immediately, or go to the nearest hospital.
How can we prevent things like this from happening?
Prevention is the best thing. Let's see what can be done:
- Prepare legal documents, such as your last will and healthcare power of attorney, with someone you trust.
- Always check on family and friends who may be at risk, and go visit them.
- Make bank transactions via direct deposit instead of checks.
- Keep a record of financial transactions and report anything suspicious.
- Never give out personal information if someone asks for it over the phone.
Above all , awareness is key. If you know what these types of harassment are, what their symptoms are, who is most at risk, and what their impact is, you can take action when something like this happens.
If you are a caregiver for an older adult and you are experiencing stress and challenges, never hesitate to ask for help . You can get help from your family, friends, support groups, and community organizations.
If you suspect that an adult is being bullied, how do you report it?
Despite the laws, these things still happen. If you suspect that someone is being abused, please report it to your local adult protection services, social services, or the police . If you suspect that someone (including yourself) is in danger, call the police immediately.
If you see signs of this kind of bullying in someone you love, take action. The sad thing is, these problems don't go away on their own. So you're the one who needs to speak up for that person.
First, try talking to the person . You can ask them, "Are you being bullied?" "Are you hurt anywhere?" But it's not easy for someone who is being bullied to talk openly about it. They may be embarrassed, afraid, or feel guilty about it, making it difficult for them to tell the truth.
If you still have doubts after talking, you should report it. Contact a local elder protection service, a nursing home representative, or the police. You don't have to be 100% sure or have evidence to report it. The relevant authorities will investigate. Your information will be kept confidential.
A doctor can also examine someone and provide guidance if there is any doubt.
In a nursing home, there may be an ombudsperson or management who can speak on your behalf and make a complaint. You can also inform them about this.
Is it correct to call this "elder abuse"?
Yes, words like "Elder abuse", "Abuse of older adults", "Abuse of a vulnerable adult" are appropriate for this. Words like "harassment of a vulnerable person" can sometimes hurt their feelings. Because, even after the age of 60, not everyone wants to be considered "old". So we need to be careful when using words. However, the most important thing is to report abuse if it occurs.
Finally, remember... (Take-Home Message)
These types of abuses against adults have a significant impact not only on their physical health, but also on their mental health and happiness in life. This is common among adults who find it difficult to speak up for themselves or ask for help, and who feel helpless.
If you see an adult being bullied, or if you see any of these signs, please don't stay silent. Report it to the relevant authorities, or call the police (119).
Our elders are a treasure that we must cherish. Let us treat them with love and respect. We all have a responsibility to protect them.
` Elder abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, neglect, elder protection, elder care
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