Elder abuse can be defined as “an act or omission which results in harm or threatened harm to the health or welfare of an elderly person (American Medical Association, 1994). Elder abuse does not mean physical violence alone, but also includes neglect, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial or material exploitation, abandonment and self neglect. It may be intentional or unintentional. Elder abuse, shocking as it may sound, is prevalent in our society. Most of the younger generation neglects their elders in the remote villages to fend for themselves and only come to know of their health status if there is a serious ailment or death. Emotional abuse is also frequent as supposed caregivers verbally abuse those elders they are in charge of either for being too slow, too clumsy or too forgetful. Financial and material exploitation comes in when money sent for the upkeep of the elder is spent with reckless abandon by the caregiver for his/her own selfish purposes.
Risk factors include general risk factors (e.g. family violence, poor relationship between the elder and the care-giver), care-giver risk factors (e.g. financial dependency on the elder, substance abuse, history of mental illness, little social support), and elder risk factors (e.g. living with the care-giver, cognitive impairment, poor health). Studies have shown that men and women are equally likely to become victims of Elder abuse. (Kleinschmidt, 1997)
The elder being abused can be difficult to detect as some of his/her complaints may mimic common geriatric problems. Also, the elder may be too embarrassed or scared of retribution to speak up. A gentle and understanding doctor should be able to get the confidence of the elder especially if he notices suspicious signs like bruises, tears, or a depressed-looking elder.
When abuse has been established the safety of the elder must be of primary concern. If possible the caregiver should be changed. Extremely violent cases can be reported to the authorities for proper action to be taken against the caregiver. The elder should also be visited regularly by a genuinely concerned relative, and, if possible, available resources and supports put in place to enhance the elder’s living environment.
