Reports: Elder abuse is increasing problem

LITTLE ROCK — Elder abuse is becoming ever more common.

Numerous reports have documented this rising problem. As a result, in this legislative season, lawmakers in several states are proposing new laws to require reporting and harsher penalties. Although exact numbers are unknown, the American Psychological Association estimates that every year, more than 4 million older people are victims of physical, psychological or other forms of abuse and neglect.

Because of increased awareness and training, crimes against residents in nursing homes are less frequent. In most cases, a family member or hired caregiver is the abuser.

But abuse occurs in every setting and is just as common in affluent as in poor families, in those with high levels of education, by spouses, children and friends, irrespective of age, sex or ethnicity.

Physical violence, while horrifying, reflects only a small fraction of the problem. The patient may be slapped, dragged, pulled and scratched if he fails to follow instructions such as bathing, dressing or using the toilet.

Most abuse is emotional or psychological. A caregiver may yell, humiliate, insult or threaten. Neglect is a form of abuse. Failure to feed, groom or assist with toileting; allowing the patient to live in an unsanitary environment, or failing to follow treatment plans are all forms of neglect. On occasion a caregiver may abandon the patient at a hospital, park or even railway station.

Caregivers may take advantage of patients financially by writing checks; stealing Social Security checks, cash or belongings, or forging a signature.

Patients with Alzheimer’s disease are particularly prone to abuse. In 2009 the British Medical Journal published a study that examined the prevalence and forms of abuse among caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s. A total of 52 percent of caregivers admitted to some form abuse, the most common being screaming or yelling (26 percent), using a harsh tone or swearing (18 percent) or threatening to send the patient to a nursing home (4 percent). Only 1 percent reported physical abuse.

Most caregivers who admitted to emotional abuse indicated that it occurred rarely. Caregivers who did abuse their loved ones were remorseful and guilty but felt provoked.

What causes abuse? Although stress from being a caregiver is a major risk factor for abuse, it is not the most common. Stressed individuals are more likely to abuse if they are depressed, receive no support from family or who feel that being a caregiver is overwhelming and burdensome.

Abuse is more common in spouses who have significant conflicts during their marriage. Men are more likely to abuse than women, as are those with low self-esteem, alcohol and drug dependency or those who have been abused themselves.

Abuse is more common if relatives are financially dependent on the person they are caring for.

As it can occur in every setting, it is important that close friends, family and physicians be on the lookout for elder abuse. A problem should be suspected if bruises, scratches or fractures occur, if the patient complains that the caregiver has been emotionally abusive or if there are signsof neglect such as weight loss, poor grooming and failure to take medications.

Because of the breadth of the problem, every caregiver must be aware that they are at risk of being abusive.

The more that elder abuse is understood, the greater the public awareness and the more education, the better. Learn as much as possible about elder abuse and care giving. If possible, caregivers should not “go it alone.” Insist that children, other siblings, grandchildren or friends help.

Every caregiver should make sure that his own needs are met and always consider respite care if possible. Look into adult day health care that provides the caregiver time alone and an opportunity to get things done.

Ask a relative to take over care for a weekend, or consider admission to a nursing home or residential facility for respite care. In many circumstances, this may be a benefit covered by Medicareor insurance.

And last but not least, join a caregiver support group. Rest assured there are many wise individuals who have experienced similar problems.

Taking care of a beloved spouse or parent, although very difficult, can be spiritually rewarding and a truly uplifting experience. This will occur only if you truly understand the task and seek the necessary support and love to make it work.

Dr. David Lipschitz is co-director of the Healthy Aging Center at Saline Memorial Hospital. More information is available at: drdavidhealth.com