| Elder
abuse is any form of mistreatment that results in harm or loss to
an older person. It is generally divided into the following categories:
Physical
abuse is physical force that results in bodily
injury, pain, or impairment. It includes assault, battery, and
inappropriate restraint.
Sexual
abuse
is non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an older person.
Domestic
violence
is an escalating pattern of violence by an intimate partner where
the violence is used to exercise power and control.
Psychological
abuse
is the willful infliction of mental or emotional anguish by threat,
humiliation, or other verbal or nonverbal conduct.
Financial
abuse
is the illegal or improper use of an older person's funds, property,
or resources.
Neglect
is the failure of a caregiver to fulfill his or her care giving
responsibilities. Self-neglect
is
failure to provide for one's own essential needs.
How
big a problem is it?
Although
estimates vary, it is generally believed that 4-6% of the elderly
are abused.
According
to the National
Incidence Study on Elder Abuse,
approximately 450,000 elderly experienced abuse in 1996 nationwide.
If self-neglect is included, the number is 551,000.
How
serious a problem is it?
The
personal losses associated with abuse can be devastating and include
the loss of independence, homes, life savings, health, dignity,
and security.
Victims
of abuse have been shown to have shorter expectancies than non-abused
older people.
How
can I learn more?
Comijs,
H.C., Pot, A.M., Smit, H.H., & Jonker, C., (1998). "Elder
abuse in the community: Prevalence and consequences. Journal
of the American Geriatrics Society, 46, 885-888.
Kivela,
S.L., Kongas-Saviaro, P., Kesti, E., Pahkala, K. & Ijas, M.
L. (1992). "Abuse in old age: Epidemiological data from Finland.
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 4(3), 1-18.
Lachs
M.S., et al.(1998). The mortality of elder mistreatment. Journal
of the American Medical Association,280, 428-432.
National
Center on Elder Abuse (1998). National elder abuse incidence
study: Final report. Washington, DC: American Public Human
Services Association in collaboration with Westat, Inc. The study
is available online. To view, click
here (you will leave this site).
Pillemer
K., & Finkelhor D.(1988). The prevalence of elder abuse: A
random sample survey. Gerontologist, 28, 51-57.
Podnieks,
E., Pillemer, K., Nicholson, J., Shillington, T. & Frizzel,
A. (1990). National survey on abuse of the elderly in Canada:
Final report. Toronto: Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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