Elder Abuse Papers

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Elder Abuse PSY 100 November 15, 2011 Elder abuse is a growing and under recognized problem with devastating and life threatening consequences. Unlike domestic violence or child abuse until recently there has been little if any organized intervention available for abused elders. The majority of the American public has remained unaware of the prevalence of this problem, and as a result many elderly people continue to be abused and, or neglected by the people who should be working to protect them. “An increasing population of elderly people who are reliant on the care of spouses, children and nursing homes for primary care increases the likelihood that a person over 60 will experience some type of abuse when they are no longer able to…show more content…
An older person may be called an elder. There is no set age for an elder, but it may be defined as when a person retires at the age of 60 or 65 years old. In certain countries, it may be when a person physically cannot do his usual family or work roles anymore. Physical abuse occurs when someone harms an elder, or places them in danger. Family members or a caregiver of the elder may unknowingly or on purpose be an abuser. A caregiver is someone who is paid or not paid for caring for the elderly victim. Physical abuse includes hitting, slapping, kicking, pushing, pulling hair, burning, and force-feeding. This may also include giving too much or too little medicine, or using physical restraints, knives, or firearms. The risk of elder abuse becomes even greater when the caregiver is responsible for an older person who is sick or is physically or mentally impaired. Caregivers in such stressful situations often feel trapped and hopeless and are unaware of available resources and assistance. If they have no skills for managing difficult behaviors, caregivers can find themselves using physical force. Particularly with a lack of resources, neglectful situations can

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