Elder Abuse Is Not Acceptable In Any Language

(logo credits - INPEA)

Elder Abuse is NOT acceptable in any language, culture or settings.
By Andrew C

(INPEA)

Elder Abuse is NOT acceptable in any language, culture or settings.

What is Elder Abuse and Neglect?

“Elder Abuse and Neglect is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.” It can be of various forms -- physical, psychological/emotional, sexual, or financial/material abuse, and/or intentional or unintentional neglect.
(Definition from Toronto Declaration on the Global Prevention of Elder Abuse, 2002)

Most of us get to know about elder abuse through media reports of horrible cases in nursing homes; or the unimaginable physical abuse or neglect of elderly persons in private homes.

Elder Abuse is a complex issue. We may have to rely on experts for more research data on statistics and the causes of elder abuse. However, one does not have to be a gerontologist to recognize the devastating effect on an older person who had been abused.

Who are the elder abusers? They may be:

• Family members
• Friends
• Neighbors
• Hired caregivers
• Persons with fiduciary/legal obligations; such as a Durable/Enduring Power of Attorney.

Many researches have come up with similar findings:

• That majority of the abusers are adult children or other close relatives;
• That elder abuse is under-reported;
• That it is on the increase.

Financial exploitation is fast becoming one of the most prominent types of elder abuse.
Scammers often target the elderly. Law enforcement agencies are starting to train their members in recognizing scammers. Public authorities should raise awareness of this issue.

Family Members As Abusers

It is sad to see that some adult children have an extreme sense of entitlement of their parents’ money/assets. Many adult children just do not want to wait till the passing of their parents, before getting their inheritance.

It is a human right to expect life in later years to be one of serenity, dignity and security.

No, it is not acceptable for anyone, not even our own children, to deprive us of that peace, security and dignity in our senior years.

This is the case - wherever we live, what ever race or religion we belong to; we should not be abused because of our age.

On this 3rd World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 15 June 2008:

Let us not forget the untold sufferings of the victims of elder abuse.

Let us honor the work of all those who worked hard in elder abuse prevention and awareness programs.

Let us unite to expose and to stamp out the ‘Silent Crime of the Century’.
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