Elder Abuse Free Essay Example, 4000 words

‘Granny battering’ was used in a British Medical Journal and an article in Modern Geriatrics to discuss the inadequate care provided to the elderly (Ayres & Woodtli, 2001). Elder abuse in England was primarily framed within the context of medicalization and institutionalization. Definitions of elder abuse have differed according to research and practice. Since the quality of care giving is the central issue in elder abuse, researchers contend that there should be a shift to care giving paradigm for clinical practice. Elder abuse is not a new phenomenon but the combination of an ageing population and the new definitions of abuse have created a greater level of awareness in the society and in the medical profession particularly. Awareness has led to increased research on the prevalence of abuse, its predisposing factors and the efficacy of interventions (Coyne, Reichman, & Berbig, 1993). Elder abuse remains largely unreported and the healthcare professionals do not realize the potential risks that the elders are associated with. McCormack (2006) contends that abuse is under-reported due to the psychosocial factors associated with it. At the same time, Fletcher and Buka (1999) contend that the sign of abuse may not always be obvious and may be uncovered secondary to other issues. We will write a custom essay sample on Elder Abuse or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Abuse may be ‘discovered’ by a healthcare professional on admission assessments during Accidents & Emergencies (cited by Buka & Sookhoo). Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of elder abuse can be difficult to confirm, agree Lachs and Pillemer (2004). Patients with symptoms of elder abuse may not have really been subjected to it and vice versa as several signs and symptoms of many illnesses of late life can be attributed to abuse. 1.3 Types of abuse Abuse of older adults includes physical violence, which means acts carried out with the intention of causing physical pain or injury. The most common violent acts towards elders are slapping, hitting and striking with objects. These result in bruises, sprains and abrasions, sometimes even skeletal fractures, burns and other wounds. Psychological abuse accompanies physical abuse like habitual verbal aggression in the form of threats and insults. Even threat of abandonment falls under this category of abuse. The failure of a designated caregiver to meet the needs of a dependent elderly person is a form of abuse (Lachs & Pillemer, 1995). Sexual abuse includes sexual rape or assault without the consent of the older adult while financial abuse includes theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection wills, or the misuse or property, possession or benefits (POF, 2002).