by Andrew
In spite of some publicity from various media outlets, and the blogs on the internet, the issue of Elder Abuse is still a hidden problem. The full extent of elder abuse cannot be accurately assessed as many abuses are not reported. It has been estimated that 75% of elder abuse cases are not reported.
Assistance and Training of Care-givers
Many family members who are caregivers for their elderly parents are at risk of abuse and, of being abused by the recipient of their care.
Families and carers must be aware of the various phases of dementia, so that they can better understand dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. A better understanding of dementia should lead to better preparedness in handling behavioural changes in the demented elderly.
Support for Carers
Carers, especially family members, who take on the role of caring for elderly parent(s) often are affected by stress and depression. These carers must be able to send their charges to a government sponsored facility, so they can have a respite from the heavy burden of caring for elderly parent(s).
We must also be aware of risk factors in carers and dementia patients. These risk factors may result in elder abuse. The risk factors may include:
- Overburden in the care situation
- Depression and Isolation, arising from constant demand in caring for the elderly family member.
- difficult or violent behaviour of the elderly dementia patient, may lead to the frustration of carer.
Carers may also experience abusive situations with dementia patients. We should continue to support carers and continue to urge government in all levels to assist these carers.
According to a study:
"Behavioral disturbances (Teri et al., 1992), common to many demented elderly, may also play a role in the association between elder abuse and dementia. For example, Paveza et al. (1992) studied violent behavior (including hitting, kicking, biting, punching and making threats) in a sample of 184 patients with AD and their primary caregivers. Among the patient-caregiver dyads studied, 15.8% patient-to-caregiver violence; 5.4% caregiver-to-patient violence; and 3.8% mutually violent behaviors were noted."
Readers may want to look up the following:
‘Geriatric Times’ by Andrew C. Coyne, Ph.D. that I find most interesting.
Elder Abuse Can Be Reduced By Training Caregivers About Dementia
by Jacqueline Marcell
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
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