PHYSICAL ABUSE.....
Hitting, kicking, pushing, punching, physical restraint, cuts, punctures...intentional physical harm...lack of supervision for safety; denial of medical care or food or proper personal care.
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EMOTIONAL ABUSE.....
Verbal abuse, name-calling, condescending treatment, intimidation, threats, isolation, emotional extortion (withholding affection or denying privileges), instilling fear.
FINANCIAL ABUSE.....
Theft, misappropriate, misuse of money or property, inadequate upkeep of residence.
SEXUAL ABUSE.....
Sexual assault or harassment, fondling, touching, molestation.
CRIMINAL VICTIMIZATION.....
Purse snatching; consumer, nursing home, insurance, pension fraud; confidence games, funeral 'scams', unrealized/inadequate real estate deals, home repairs, car repairs
INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE.....
Fraudulent charges for therapy, medication, expenses, costs for care; theft of savings
Elderly women are vulnerable in a variety of ways, but most particularly to financial exploration, along with verbal and physical mistreatment. A large number of ederly women experience abuse at the hands of a primary caregiver...often a family member.
POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF ELDER ABUSE- The caregiver is not willing to touch, talk, look at or listen to the elder
- The elder's response to the caregiver is fearful or withdrawn
- The elder's posture is not relaxed, but rigid
- The caregiver displays contempt for, or makes negative comments about, elderly people
- The elder demonstrates anxiety in the presence of the abuser...is nervous, vigilant
- The elder's behaviour changes significantly in the presence of the abuse
- The elder has been bruised or injured but evidence is hidden; the cause, not discussed
INTERVENTION STRATEGIES
It is difficult for an elderly woman to disclose abuse, especially at the hands or one of her adult children. There are few resources specifically for elderly women who are being abused, but it is imperative to provide resources available to them e.g. local shelters, support groups, distress groups, distress lines, alternative living options.
You can also help by:- Believing the stories of abuse told by and elderly woman
- Reporting the abuse to the police with the elderly woman's permission
- Fostering self-esteem, and an awareness of strengths rather than weaknesses
- Assisting in the development of a positive network of friends, family, and service providers
- Encouraging disclosure and active participation in setting goals for change
- Encourage independence and self-sufficiency, when possible
|
