Elder Abuse: Case Analysis of Harriet Fields - Assignment Example

? Case Analysis This case analysis highlights elder abuse, which may not be acknowledged in the society. Elderly abuse bycaregivers is a topical problem in the society. Elder abuse comprises of physical violence, mental abuse, verbal abuse and intimidation, financial exploitation, sexual abuse, neglect and abandonment. The impact that physical and emotional abuses have on old persons exacerbate the process of aging and the diseases that accompany the process. This complicates the ability of elders to leave the abusive relationship. Kinship obligations and use of extended family to resolve emerging issues complicate the resolution of abuses, especially if the victim is a woman. This paper is a case analysis of Harriet Fields case of elder abuse. Case Analysis A Summary of the Facts in the Case The case centres on elder abuse. The case is about Harriet Fields, an 88-year-old widow. Mrs. Fields lives with her son, Bernard, who is 55 years old and has lived with his mother all his life. Bernard has been unsuccessful in finding work, partly because he is unenthusiastic about it and because of his age. Mrs. Fields’ advanced age restrains her from undertaking many activities; this has contributed to her growing isolation from the rest of society. She no longer attends church services regardless of her strong religiosity (Payne, 2005). This prompted her pastor to visit her monthly. At some stage in the visits, the pastor became aware of Mrs. Fields’ injuries, which she had sustained from physical abuse by her son, Bernard. However, this was not an isolated incident as Mrs. Fields had been suffering successive physical abuse. She had not sought medical attention nor reported the incidences to the authorities. The pastor sought help from protective service workers, an unpleasant decision to Mrs Fields. Mrs. Fields’ case exhibited a lack of caregiver support. Mrs. Fields is also neglected as exhibited by unkemptness. She was also suffering from the diseases associated with aging such as poor vision and hearing capability (Payne, 2008). The protective officers notified the nurse and the police who visited her and offered her attention. Mrs. Fields was less enthusiastic about the recommendations of the police and the nurse. On confronting Bernard, the protection officer learnt that he was unapologetic, blaming it all on her provocation. Mrs. Fields’ elderly relatives were also defensive of Bernard’s actions by dispelling accusations that he was an alcoholic. Main Problems in the case The problems highlighted by the case encompass abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Bernard subjected his mother to physical abuse and financial exploitation as well as mistreatment. In addition, Bernard subjects her to emotional abuse arising from verbal attacks and threats, which degrade and humiliate her (Grande, 2004). Mrs. Fields’ life also manifests abandonment fueled by loneliness and self-neglect whereby she disregards personal hygiene and health care. Her own actions or inactions such as unwillingness to seek medical care manifest self-harm and endangerment (Payne, 2005). Isolation aggravated the risk to abuse since Mrs. Fields kept a low social profile thus making the abuse go unnoticed. How the two theories explain the problems and the needs Feminist theory Feminist perspectives explain and respond to oppressive positions of women in most societies. Feminist perspectives delve more in increasing consciousness on women’s roles and positions. Feminist ideas lean towards radical transformation in societies (Payne, 2008). Feminists hold that social and institutional factors shape the positions of women in a patriarchal society. Feminists believe that the patriarchal society manifests increased domination in terms of privilege and empowerment of men. The provision of varying insights depending on the feminist premises yields different types of feminism, which are diverse, competing, and often contradictory (Grande, 2004). The five key feminist theoretical perspectives include liberal feminism, socialist feminism, radical feminism, black feminism, and post-modern feminism. Liberal feminism spotlights inequalities in opportunities availed to women; thus, the origin of women’s oppression lies in lack of an even representation of opportunities (Payne, 2005). Liberal feminism concentrates on sex differences between men and women, which translate dissimilar cultural assumptions on gender differences. Liberal feminists hold that achievement of women liberation rests in the elimination of sexist prejudices prevalent in society. Socialist feminism traces the origin of women’s oppression to the interaction of the capitalist system, which heralds class struggles. Socialist feminists seek to eradicate both capitalism and male dominance in order to stop women’s oppression (Payne, 2005). Socialist feminists emphasize the inevitability of revolutionary societal changes in order to get rid of the existing unequal distribution of power. Radical feminism, on the other hand, traces the genesis of women’s oppression in the patriarchal control of both female sexuality and fertility. This perspective details that the male’s power and privilege in patriarchal relations is the core determinant of women’s subordination (Grande, 2004). Radical feminism shares a common attribute to socialist feminism in the sense that they both challenge societal fundamental structure. Black feminism disputes perspectives and practices among White feminists. The perspectives biased and marginalized Black women (Collins, 1990). Black feminists appealed to White feminists to take the differentiations and inequity among women critically. Black feminists demanded identification and confrontation of entrenched racism within Women’s movement. Lastly, post-modern feminist theory admits the intricacy and sophistication of social relations that confront women. The approach spotlights discourse in a society that constructs social assumptions concerning how women should be treated. The approach holds that it is impracticable to have a uniform approach that diffuses class, race, and sexuality (Payne, 2008). Critique of Feminist Theory Feminist theory dwells mainly on the rights of women by confronting the injustices that confront women in a patriarchal system. This portrays the theory as both simplistic and reductionist. For a comprehensive understanding and application in society, the theory should spotlight broad studies rather than narrowing to certain components of society (Payne, 2005). The theory is also criticized for its epistemological, ontological, and methodological assumptions, especially due to its lack of monolithic perspective. The theory is also criticized for being informed by exaggerations of a patriarchal society (Payne, 2008). Feminism Theory and Social work Practice Feminism in social work aids in assessing and confronting patriarchy in the society. Similarly, the approach reconceptualises aspects such as dependency and evaluation of women’s strengths and abilities by reviewing social constructions of gender and roles (Grande, 2004). The prominent issues in feminism such as gender power relations and lack of space for women to voice their own needs are evident in Mrs. Fields case. The theory of Feminist principles explains the challenges occasioned by privileges in the dominant social order. Male domination in the society has contributed in part to the problem of elder abuse. The Feminist principles shed light on the beneficiary of privileges that are barriers to the quality of life of a certain group in society. In the case, Mrs. Fields is denied an opportunity to have a quality life by her son, Bernard. Feminism provides a background to challenge the prevailing discourses about women, inequalities, and oppression. The theory gives a suitable fit to the broad problems of elder abuse highlighted in the case (Payne, 2005). The case highlights power deprivation and oppressive conditions that Mrs. Fields has to endure the domineering attitude of her son. Empowerment and Advocacy Theory Empowerment and advocacy theory is a broad theoretical framework that embraces all aspects of client’s life, and seeks to aid clients in attaining power on decisions and actions in their own lives. Empowerment and advocacy theory has some attributes related to critical, feminist, and anti-discrimination theories. The theory stems from the desire to facilitate people to defeat barriers while achieving their objectives (Grande, 2004). According to Grande (2004), advocacy is crucial in speaking for the people, as well as interpreting, and presenting the people needs to the authority. In Harriet Fields’ case, the victim of elderly abuse lacked advocacy and empowerment. However, her pastor helped her seek help and overcome her abuse. Advocacy can be split into the cause and case advocacy. Cause advocacy endorses social change for groups and accompanying causes. Case advocacy, on the other hand, advances welfare rights of individuals and families. Advocacy and empowerment tie with self-help in the sense that the participation of individuals and communities in decision making is all inclusive. Empowerment pursues social justice. Empowerment circumvents polarization of social action and individualized perspectives (Howe, 2009). Advocacy incorporates protection of the vulnerable people, creation of support that enhances societal functioning, protection and advancing claims or appeals and cultivating identity and control. Empowerment suits elderly people since mutual support allow them to be provided with a lifestyle that mirrors that of the institutions outside residential care. This approach stresses the importance of transforming the client from passive consumers to active participants in their lives (Howe, 2009). Empowerment seeks to widen a better and positive potent of self through construction of knowledge and capacity to achieve critical viewpoints on the social and political certainties of life. In addition, the approach promotes resources and competencies that enhance attainment of personal and collective goals. Thus, empowerment utilizes certain strategies to minimize, eradicate, fight, and reverse negative valuations by powerful groups (Payne, 2009). Critique to Advocacy and Empowerment Theory This approach is viewed with skepticism due to its integration of lay people in a sensitive field that involves human life. Participatory involvement of both specialists and lay people can be criticized for lack of conciseness. Most critics claim that participation yields manipulation rather than empowerment (Grande, 2004). The connotations placed on the terminologies of community, participation, and empowerments overlap each other. The terminologies may be at odds with each other. Community embodies the notion of cooperation while health promotion and empowerment emphasize ideas of advocacy and social activism, which are grounded in autonomy and conflict (Howe, 2009). Advocacy and Empowerment Theory and Social work Practice Howe (2009) asserts thatAdvocacy theory brings out the issue of responsibility for identification, reporting, and intervention of cases of elder abuse. In the case, Mrs. Field bears the blunt of elder abuse because advocacy is weak and inconsistent. A multidisciplinary approach to the problem of elder mistreatment comprising of physicians, nurses, community and office based social workers, and the police is absent for a longtime and only comes to her aid when abuse has already been perpetrated. Victim advocacy is crucial in aiding the preparation of a safety plan for the victim as well as explaining community -based resources. Goals for Intervention in the Elder Abuse Case The main goal of intervention is to develop an all-inclusive plan for the course of action to tackle and resolve the problem of elder abuse. Another goal is to combine medical, psychological, legal, and social interventions, which help to address cases of elder abuse (Howe, 2009). The case analysis also aims at applying advocacy and empowerment theory in addressing the problems of abuse encountered by Mrs. Fields. The other goal is to identify interventions, resolutions and steps to be taken in order to address the case. Intervention also aims at identifying means through which immediate care can be offered to Mrs. Fields. The goal of intervention is also aims to assure the Client of her safety and prevents any possible harm by the abuser. Another goal is to identify the appropriate institutions that can provide care and protection that Mrs. Fields needs. The intervention also aims at availing the necessary means through which Mrs. Fields can articulate her needs should the problem persist. Another ultimate goal of intervention is to empower clients and create the appropriate avenues for addressing their problems (Grande, 2004). Recommendations of Solutions to the Problem with Reference to Feminist and Empowerment and Advocacy Theoretical Frameworks The recommendations stem from the risk factors that predispose Mrs. Fields to abuse. These factors include individual factors, relationship factors, community and societal factors. Mrs. Fields’ social isolation and Bernard’s alcoholic problem are key causes of the abuse. Authorities should raise awareness on the benchmarks of care and conduct that older people deserve (Kirst-Ashman, 2010). To confront and eliminate the problem, I recommend enhanced research to gain greater knowledge about the problem, legislation of stronger laws and policies to tackle the problem, and institution of effective prevention strategies. Efforts should also be directed at changing the culture on how people perceive elder abuse. In conclusion, Harriet Fields’ case indicates weak identification, prevention and reporting of elder abuse in the society. The victim is also ill equipped for self help and unable to seek assistance. People should be sensitized on reporting procedures of abuses to the police and protective officers. In addition, lay people should be trained in identifying abuses. The problem of elder abuse is widespread in the society and may go unnoticed. For prevention, detection, and remedying of elder abuse, there should be adoption of proper measures to curb the violence. Social, health care, legal, education, and public awareness campaigns should articulate the problem of elder abuse effectively. References Collins, P.H. (1990). Towards an Afrocentric feminist epistemology. New York .NY: Routledge. Grande, S. (2004). Whitestream feminism and the colonialist project: Towards a theory of Indigenista. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Inc. Howe, D. (2009). A brief introduction to social work theory. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan. Kirst-Ashman, K. (2010). Introduction to social work & social welfare: Critical thinking perspectives. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning. Payne, M. (2005). Modern social work theory. Chicago, IL: Lyceum Books. Payne, M. (2008). Complexity and social work theory and practice. Social Work Now, 39 (1), 15-20. Read More