There are several ways to define elder abuse. The main components of elder abuse are: Intent or distress to cause harm; Victims and Treatment. In some cases, abuse may be committed without intention. The victim is not helped, but the goal is to cause pain and distress.
Intention to cause distress or damage to an elderly person
Intent to cause harm or distress to an older person is a serious crime. This could include causing pain, coercion, drug-induced restraint or mental anguish. It may also involve non-consensual sexual contacts or sexual abuse. Although they may have good intentions, the person causing the harm might not be doing their best.
Victims
Victims of elder abuse are subject to a variety of problems, including psychological abuse and financial exploitation. The risk of elder abuse rises if family members suffer abuse or have a past history of abuse. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of elder abuse include financial hardships, mental illness and stress. Elder abuse also has a negative impact on family caregivers. It is important to report elder abuse and prevent elderly loved ones being victims.
Elder victims might need assistance getting to court hearings, meetings, or medical appointments. They may not have relatives nearby or are unable to travel by public transport. Additionally, they might be in a wheelchair. In this case, victim service providers should consider providing them with a list of local agencies to assist them with the situation.
Treatment
Elder abuse is a serious problem that can have many causes. You can experience financial, sexual, or psychological abuse. Physical abuse is when someone pushes, hits, or threatens an elder, while psychological abuse involves coercive or threatening behavior. Other types include abandonment, failure to meet basic needs and violence.
Elder abuse is most commonly committed through neglect. Elder abuse can be caused by neglecting to provide care. A major problem is the financial exploitation that older people face. Fraudulent charities or fake contests are common. Additionally, there are many spurious investment options. In addition, unethical caregivers may misappropriate cash, credit cards, and their victims' identity.
There are many ways to stop elder abuse. Therapy is one of these interventions. An elderly person can be helped by a licensed therapist to overcome tension and trauma, and make a plan for safety. This therapy can be done individually, in groups, or with the whole family. Therapy helps victims overcome shame and stigma, and develop new skills for coping with stress. Therapy can also be used to treat mental disorders.