Elderly Abuse
by The abuse of elders by caretakers is a worldwide issue. In 2002, the work of the World Health Organization brought international attention to the issue of elder abuse. Over the years, government agencies and community professional groups, worldwide, have specified elder abuse as a social problem. To combat this growing problem the 15th June has been declared as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. On this day an increasing number of events will be held across the globe to raise awareness of elder abuse, and highlight ways to challenge such abuse.
If you know of someone who may be a victim of eldery abuse you are urged to contact your local Police or social services offices.
Signs to look out for:
The signs of abuse vary considerably among older people and with the type of harm being experienced. An older person who is being abused may:
Say she or he is being harmed
Seem depressed and withdrawn; signs of depression in elders are not getting dressed, not performing basic care of themselves that they are able to do, never going out even if they can, inability to sleep or sleeping too much
Not accepting invitations to spend time away from their family or a caregiver
Seem afraid to make their own decisions
Seem to be hiding something about a caregiver
Not have any spending money
Put off going to the doctor
Feel anxious and fearful
Try to “run away, leaving their place of residence and not wishing to return
Seem to have too many household “accidents
Please remember these signs can indicate problems other than abuse or neglect, and none of these prove there is harms occurring. The presence of the signs simply indicate that further inquiry may be necessary.
Please remember the 15th June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Support this cause in anyway you can in your local community.
We owe our lives to our elderly companions we would not be here if it was not for them.
Support Them
stevetheblogger
Thanks to Wikipedia for help with these statistics.
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Post CommentMattie Joyner
On May 31, 2012 at 11:55 am
That is so sad and true. Thanks for posting.
momofplenty
On May 31, 2012 at 2:44 pm
It is a shame that this happens, our Elders should be respected and revered.