The report was released on 15 June, 2007 [(World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (INPEA)]
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:
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
Key findings of the Study
• Older people who were neglected were commonly dependent on one person, had
communications difficulty, limited social contacts and isolation, mental or physical disabilities – including dementia.
• Abusers shared common characteristics. They were most likely to be: family members, living with the person being neglected, the primary care giver, facing life stresses such as unemployment or carer stress, addictions, and dependent on the neglected person for housing, financial or emotional support.
• Aspects of the older person’s life which were neglected and examined in the study included financial management, adequate nutrition and social isolation.
• Patterns of behaviour which may contribute to neglect were found. These include a lack of awareness of community or paid support services available, an unwillingness to accept assistance, failing to recognise the needs of the neglected person, limited family
communication, carers’ lack of ability to provide the necessary support, and lack of empathy towards a person’s disability or increasing inability to self care.
How can the community stop elder abuse and neglect?
Action must be taken to prevent neglect. Key ways to prevent all forms of elder abuse and neglect include:
empowering older people
educating people working with older people
raising public awareness about elder abuse and neglect
changing ageist attitudes and behaviours
encouraging positive intergenerational relationships.
We have a lot to do. Raising public awareness is the main aim of this blog. Remember to check out the links on the side-bar.
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