The Effect of Elder Abuse on the Victims and Their Families - Term Paper Example

Elder Abuse Introduction Elder abuse may simply be defined as violence or mistreatment faced by older adults in the hands of their relatives, caregivers, or service providers in private institutions or residences. Elder abuse may also be termed as senior abuse, elder mistreatment or abuse of older adults. In this respect, elder abuse occurs whenever an elderly individual is mistreated physically, psychologically, or emotionally. It is estimated that close to 2 million seniors (aged 65 years and above) are mistreated or abused in the United States. The effect of elder abuse on the victims and their families can be seriously detrimental. Elder abuse often results in negative emotional and psychological effects. In other words, elder abuse has a significant effect on the holistic well-being of the victim. Nurses have a major role to play in situations of elder abuse. Some research has been conducted in regard to the issue and it is evident that the problem will persist if nothing is done. The paper will discuss the issue of elder abuse in light of various factors. Elder Abuse Elder abuse entails older adults being abused or mistreated by non-family members who are not in the position of trust or power (Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 2011). The most commonly identified forms of elder abuse include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, material/financial abuse, and neglect (Fanslow & Glasgow, 2006). Essentially, elder abuse may be a form of domestic violence especially if it involves relatives. However, elder abuse does not include certain criminal activities perpetrated against the elderly such as muggings in which a thief breaks into a house. The distinction between general crimes and elder abuse comes in respect of the presence or absence of the expectation of trust. Whether an act of violence of emotional harm is committed once or many times against an elderly person, it may fall in the gambit of elder abuse. Alpert (2010) indicates that elder abuse entails psychological, economic, and physical neglect or mistreatment, and the act may be unintentional or intentional. Some of the abused elders are mistreated or neglected in the context of infirmity or dependency. Others are abused for many years before they come to the attention of service providers such as clinicians (Alpert, 2010). Elder neglect and abuse is often a hidden and ignored issue in the society. Presently, national official statistics related to the prevalence of elder abuse are not available. However, present research indicates that approximately one to two million elderly individuals aged 65 years and above in the United States have been neglected or abused by the people who have been entrusted with their protection and care (American Psychological Association, 2012). The stress linked with neglect and abuse can result in long-term psychological and physical problems which include stroke, angina, high blood pressure, poverty, under- and overmedication, death, isolation, panic attacks, depression, anxiety, and heart attack (Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 2011). It is important to note that the effect of elder abuse on the family members is a factor of whether they are the actual abusers or not. Relatives who happen to learn that their elderly family member has been abused usually grieve and feel angry, particularly so if the elderly individual dies or is badly injured. The emotions usually emerge because the relatives of the elderly person know that they were not capable of preventing the situation from happening or were not aware of it. Family members who abuse their elderly relatives may feel guilty and angry. These feelings come possibly because they know that they are mistreating their own relative and yet are unable to stop the behavior (Contributing Writer, 2010). The effect of elderly abuse on its intended victims may be very detrimental and serious in comparison to other types of family violence. This is because the abusers are mostly relatives or an offspring of the victim. The victim suffers bodily injuries which are a result of physical assaults (Chan, 2012). The bodily or physical injuries can be minor such as welts, scratches, cuts, or bruises. At other times, the injuries can be serious to an extent of causing lasting disabilities to the victim. The injuries in this respect include broken bones, soreness, constant physical pain, and head injuries. The physical injuries can also result in premature death, or may worsen the existing health problems of the victim (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). The victim may also suffer significant emotional distress. Increased levels of depressive symptoms have been seen among abused elders compared to elders who have not experienced abuse. Elder abuse is devastating for the seniors and their families (Chan, 2012). The victims are usually anxious and fearful. They may end up having issues with trust and may be wary of individuals surrounding them (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). Role of the Professional Nurse in Elder Abuse Registered nurses are supposed to make sure that they safeguard the patient’s interests at all times. This includes monitoring the activities of those to whom they delegate duties to serve patients. It is important to note that abuse can occur from failure to offer care or through an act of omission. Recognition of abuse and reducing its risks is the mandate of all staff working with the seniors and their caregivers. Patient confidentiality is an issue in most abusive cases, and this is because the elderly are unwilling to share and reveal their experiences with others. The code of conduct for professional nurses and midwives offers a clear guidance on how to deal with the issue of confidentiality (Community and District Nursing Association, 2003). Self-monitoring is both a responsibility and privilege for the nursing profession. According to the code of conduct for professional nurses and midwives, all practitioners have the mandate to protect their clients against abuse. The nurse must ensure that they develop a safe, caring, and therapeutic relationship with the patient. Recognizing and responding to abuse can be a major issue for most nurses (Community and District Nursing Association, 2003). Nurses offer treatment and essential care for the neglected and abused older people. They assist in correcting conditions caused by self-neglect and maltreatment, and prevent the recurrence of such activities through monitoring, providing medication, getting assistive devices, educating caregivers, facilitating service referrals, and treating injuries. In their capacity, the nurse should work in cooperation with both paraprofessionals and professionals to assist the victims of elder abuse (Miller, 2008). Evaluation of Research Done on Elder Abuse A recent study shows that elder abuse has been a growing issue in the United States, and the trend is likely to persist if nothing is done (Hardin & Khan-Hudson, 2005). The issue of elder neglect and abuse has been made worse by apathy and underreporting by healthcare workers and citizens. The research concludes that the issue of elder neglect and abuse can be managed. It recommends that hospitals and other health care facilities must receive greatest attention in addressing the issue. This is because these are the places where most elderly individuals receive care after they leave their homes. The institutions of care must prioritize the issues of the elderly people. On the other hand, awareness amongst citizens must be raised in respect of elder abuse through means such as the mass media (magazines, brochures, television, and newspapers). The family members who care for their elderly relatives ought to be given special training to make them understand the special needs and problems of the elderly (Hardin & Khan-Hudson, 2005). More research should be carried out in this area in a bid to positively impact the elderly and their families. For instance, it will enable them to recognize signs of abuse so as to take the appropriate action in a timely manner. Summary and Conclusion Elder abuse is defined as neglect, violence, or mistreatment that older adults residing in either private institutions or residences face at the hands of their children, spouses, other family members, service providers, caregivers, or other people in situations of trust or power. Elder abuse is a major issue in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 2 million elderly individuals are abused in the United States. The mistreatment can take the form of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, material/financial abuse, or neglect. The elderly individuals can be abused by their relatives or other people who care for them. The effect of elder abuse on the victim and their families can be very serious. For instance, physical injury can result from the abuse. The outcome of physical abuse can lead to minor injuries or permanent disability. It is important to note that the professional nurse has a major role to play in elder abuse. The nurse can advise the victim and their families on how to handle the situation. Research done indicates that the problem may persist if nothing is done. References Alpert, E. J. (2010). Intimate partner violence: The clinician’s guide to identification, assessment, intervention, and prevention. Waltham, MA: Massachusetts Medical Society. American Psychological Association. (2012). Elder abuse. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pi/prevent-violence/resources/elder-abuse.aspx Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Understanding elder maltreatment. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/em-factsheet-a.pdf Chan, K. (2012). Preventing family violence: A multidisciplinary approach. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. Community and District Nursing Association. (2003). Responding to elder abuse. London, UK: Community and District Nursing Association. Contributing Writer. (2010). Elder abuse & the effect on families. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/228451-elder-abuse-the-effect-on-families/ Fanslow, J. L., & Glasgow, K. (2006). Family violence intervention guidelines: Elder abuse and neglect. Wellington: Ministry of Health. Hardin, E., & Khan-Hudson, A. (2005). Elder abuse – “Society’s dilemma.” Journal of the National Medical Association, 97(1), 91-94. Miller, C. A. (2008). Nursing for wellness in older adults. Baltimore, Maryland: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Royal Canadian Mounted Police. (2011). Elder abuse. Retrieved from http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ccaps-spcca/elder-aine-eng.htm. Read More