Elder Abuse outside nursing homes.
Majority of the those over 65 years of age, live in their own homes. Many of them are still active and have the capacity to make major decisions about their well-being.
The term “Elder Abuse by Family Members” refers to situations where the rights of older adults are abused by people they trusted, such as family members or friends. Elder abuse can take the forms of:
· Financial or material abuse: For example, the use of an older person’s money or property without their permission
· Emotional or Psychological abuse: For example, verbal or physical threats, including threats of abandonment and intimidation; threats to harm others and pets; withdrawal of love and support Y Physical abuse: For example, slapping, punching, pushing, beating, burning and restraining
· Sexual abuse: For example, sex without consent, interference and harassment
· Social abuse: For example, restricting social freedom and isolating an older person from their family and friends
· Neglect: For example, failure to fulfil a commitment to provide assistance and support, such as neglecting to provide adequate food, shelter, care and emotional support.
Can you prevent elder abuse?
You can take action to protect yourself from experiencing elder abuse by:
· Remaining active in your community
· Maintain contact with family and other important people in your life
· Develop and maintain new friendships outside of your family, for example, be involved in an arts, religious or sports/recreational group; attend courses at your local recreation centre or TAFE
· Be involved in your community, for example, be a volunteer at the local school or Community Centre; join the local Resident’s Committee or Nature Preservation Group Planning for your own safety
· Make a list of five people you trust and can most rely on to support your best interests
· Keep the names and telephone numbers of these people handy
· Seek their support if you are experiencing fear or have other concerns
· Remember, “There is nothing so terrible that you can’t tell someone about it”.
· Arrange emergency procedures with these people and with other, for example, with your neighbours.
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We may have grown older, but we do not lose our rights.
Keep informed about various issues concerning you and your society. If you think that you have been abused, seek help.
Check out the links on the sidebar of this blog. It is not a comprehensive list - but it is a start.
Adapted from: An Advocare Article
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