Some figures to start: since the implementation of the national helpline 39 77 last February, it has already received 31,245 calls (as of September 28, 2008). These have led to the opening of 4555 cases by the French Association for the welfare of seniors and / or disabilities (Afbah), which manages the national number. Among them, 3,444 (76%) a priori related to the abuse, the balance belonging to other problems (difficulties in administrative procedures, situations of isolation, family conflict …). Of the 3444 cases identified, 74% are situations in the home of the elderly or disabled and 26% of institutional situations, or 895 cases. Reports are sent to departments or services of the State, which shall then conduct an investigation. It is therefore not possible to know at this point, how many cases of abuse were eventually proven identifiées.Quoi In any case, the number of reported cases is not negligible, although it must be reduced the total number of elderly or disabled people received residential (over 1,060,000). In terms of abuse, even one case would not admissible.Les governments and institutions are of course not been idle. The government has announced a new set of measures, including tighter controls, a new information campaign on the national helpline, but also a training program (three years) of 250,000 professionals in nursing homestechniques of personalized résidents.La abuse prevention goes into effect, above all, by the implementation, within each establishment, a team around the concept of “welfare.” Most of the services of long-stay hospitals and nursing homes public use already the “Recommendations of good professional practice” developed the National Agency for the Evaluation and quality of schools and social services and medical social (ANESM). This reference provides a comprehensive and pragmatic, organized around four main themes: the user as “co-author” of his career (respect for freedom of choice, support for autonomy, communication, project home .. .), the quality of the relationship between professionals and users (respect for individuality, vigilance and stable institutional framework), enrichment structures and accompaniments (work with the environment, use of external resources, promotion of the expression and exchange …) and support professionals in their approach to welfare (promotion of the word, step back and school project or service). Hospitals and nursing homes public now want go further. They want the government setting up a process of “quality certification”, strengthening the capacity of qualified personnel and accelerated training programs to support.

Some figures to start: since the implementation of the national helpline 39 77 last February, it has already received 31,245 calls (as of September 28, 2008). These have led to the opening of 4555 cases by the French Association for the welfare of seniors and / or disabilities (Afbah), which manages the national number. Among them, 3,444 (76%) a priori related to the abuse, the balance belonging to other problems (difficulties in administrative procedures, situations of isolation, family conflict …). Of the 3444 cases identified, 74% are situations in the home of the elderly or disabled and 26% of institutional situations, or 895 cases. Reports are sent to departments or services of the State, which shall then conduct an investigation. It is therefore not possible to know at this point, how many cases of abuse were eventually proven identifiées.Quoi In any case, the number of reported cases is not negligible, although it must be reduced the total number of elderly or disabled people received residential (over 1,060,000). In terms of abuse, even one case would not admissible.Les governments and institutions are of course not been idle. The government has announced a new set of measures, including tighter controls, a new information campaign on the national helpline, but also a training program (three years) of 250,000 professionals in nursing homes techniques of personalized résidents.La abuse prevention goes into effect, above all, by the implementation, within each establishment, a team around the concept of “welfare.” Most of the services of long-stay hospitals and nursing homes public use already the “Recommendations of good professional practice” developed the National Agency for the Evaluation and quality of schools and social services and medical social (ANESM). This reference provides a comprehensive and pragmatic, organized around four main themes: the user as “co-author” of his career (respect for freedom of choice, support for autonomy, communication, project home .. .), the quality of the relationship between professionals and users (respect for individuality, vigilance and stable institutional framework), enrichment structures and accompaniments (work with the environment, use of external resources, promotion of the expression and exchange …) and support professionals in their approach to welfare (promotion of the word, step back and school project or service). Hospitals and nursing homes public now want go further. They want the government setting up a process of “quality certification”, strengthening the capacity of qualified personnel and accelerated training programs to support. 

My other articles : http://healthmad.com/conditions-and-diseases/asthma-the-food-in-question/

The Elderly are abused annually by the thousands, and this happens in their own homes, when with relatives and in facilities.

You  may notice  the elderly being abused, emotionally or physically by the caregiver, and being preyed upon financially.  Learn  of the signs and you will be able to strengthen your defenses for the future.

What is elder abuse?

When people become frail physically they take it all in from others, including bullying, the act of fighting back is weak,  to see or hear may not be the same like when they used to,  others take advantage of this situation. 

Where does elder abuse take place?

The elderly is abused at home, by family members, like grandchildren, or spouses of the elders.  Long term facilities also abuse them.

The different types of elder abuse

There many different forms of elder abuse, some involve intimidation, threats against them, neglect, and financial chicanery. 

The following are the most common types of Elder Abuse:

Physical abuse

Physical elder abuse is non-accidental, this involves physical pain from force against the elderly person, causing impairment, this also includes physical assaults like hitting, or shoving, and the inappropriate use of drugs and restraints or confinement.

Emotional abuse

Here,   it is about the way the elderly is treated and emotional  pain and distress is caused

Verbally abusive, like being intimidating, yelling and threatening the elderly

Humiliation and ridicule

Blaming or scapegoating and becomes habitual

Ignoring the elderly person

When the elderly becomes isolated, and just ignored by the relative or caregiver

Menacing  and terrorizing

Sexual abuse

Without consent, sexually abuse to the elderly, also when showing pornography, and forcing the person to perform these acts

Financial exploitation

You get scam artist taking advantage of the elderly funds

An unscrupulous caregiver might

Sometimes one can misuse the elderly’s credit cards, steal cash, cheques, or household items

Engage identity theft, and get into personal accounts

Typical rackets that target elders include

Announcing prizes to be won in  fake competitions, phony charities, and investments

Health care fraud and abuse

At hospitals doctors and nurses found out that health care was not provided for, but charges were made for it.

The overcharging or double-billing for medical care or services.

Certain drugs are prescribed for just getting a kickback, the overmedicatiing or undermedicated

The fraudulent remedies for illnesses and other medical conditions

Signs and symptoms of elder abuse

The signs are not notices right away, and not taken seriously, and appear to be of dementia, most of the symptoms overlap with that of  mental deterioration, and can’t be dismissed

The following are warning signs of some kind of elder abuse

Often arguing, the tension between the caregiver and the elderly person, personality and behaviour changes, and if you think there is abuse with the elderly but not sure, then look for the following signs, physically and with behaviour

Physical abuse

You will notice unexplained injuries, such as bruises, scars, welts, this is when they appear symmetrically on both sides of the body.

Sprains, broken bones, and dislocations

Drug overdose, failing to take medication regularly, the breaking of eyeglasses or frames.

Rope marks on wrists, when being restrained, and when the caregiver does not allow you to see the elderly person alone.

Emotional abuse

With the above-mentioned signs, and involved  are threatening, belittling, and controlling, from the caregiver or family member.  Rocking, sucking and mumbling to oneself is noticed.

Signs of Sexual abuse

The visible bruises on breasts otr genitals

Veneral disease and genital infections, also vaginal or bleeding from the anus,  all of which are unexplained

Underclothing torn or bloody

The neglect or self-neglect by the caregiver

Weight loss is unusual, malnutrition, and dehydration

Bed sores untreated, the unsanitary living conditions, dirt , bags, and soiled bedding, not having the regular bathing, and having unsuitable covering for the weather conditions.

No heat, and running water faulty electrical wiring

Leaving the elderly deserted in public places

Caregivers are often under stress and this leads to the mistreating for the lives of the elderly.

In most families they don’t care for the elderly, due to poverty , also when one is not able to help themselves with such stressful lives for such kind of families, the elderly becomes more of a burden.

Here are some of the Signs of Elder Abuse:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse against the elderly is most likely committed by a relative. For example, unexplained broken bones, bruising. Physical abuse can be acts of violence; acts like shaking and slapping. Physical abuse can have health consequences when committed against vulnerable elders. Factors influencing physical elder abuse include mental health problems, childhood abuse and social isolation for the abused.

Emotional Abuse

Many forms of emotional abuse can occur such as verbal insults, threats, ridicule and harassment are all forms of emotional elder abuse. Emotional elder abuse is more likely to be committed by relatives or caregiver of the victim; professionals are more likely to engage in fraud or financial abuse of the elder. Sometimes the elder person can suffer from many conditions that many contribute to emotional abuse. Friends and family members may have negative reactions and be frustrated.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can occur with elders. Sexual assaults and rape are more likely to be committed against seniors. Elders are more likely to engage in sexual abuse by their caregiver. Sexual abuse patterns include a history of sexual assault in the abuser.

Neglect

Neglect is a form of elder abuse. Neglect occurs when a person trusted with the care of elder fails to provide required services to the elder. For example, if a caregiver or relative fails to provide the necessary meals to a disabled home resident, malnutrition may occur also. That caregiver may be guilty of neglect. The factors most likely to influence neglect include emotionally stressed caregivers, overly busy relatives and under-staffed care facilities. These are some of the signs of elderly abuse.

Financial Abuse and Fraud

Financial abuse and fraud are common forms of elder abuse. Financial abuse maybe committed by anyone close to the elder, whether they are professionals, caregivers, family members or friends. Financial abuse may include theft (e.g. take $50 out of the Seniors wallet or purse), denial of services (not giving the elder something they paid for), or fraud.

Financial abuse is most likely to occur when the senior has handed control of their accounts over to a caregiver or relative or when the abuser stands to inherit money from the senior.

Crimes being committed in nursing facilities are a serious issue within the United States and these crimes have been addressed by many charity organizations and national politicians to ensure that the severity of the issue is brought to attention. Elder abuse and crime within nursing facilities continues to be a growing issue and the need for required video surveillance is essential to protect those whom reside in nursing facilities. Crimes being committed within nursing facilities also highly effects the employees of the facility as well because they are also victims of crime such as theft and mental abuse, employees could be victims of crime from a small crime such as personal item theft involving co-workers to larger crimes such as rape and burglary due to lack of security during late work hours.

The statistics that have been gathered by the National Elder Abuse Incidence Study and the National Center for Elder Abuse show that there have been over 500,000 reported cases of elder abuse within the United States as of the year 2000. The highest ranking type of abuse that has been reported is psychological and emotional abuse to long term care patients over the age of sixty years. The second type of abuse that is committed in nursing facilities is physical abuse, this type of abuse, unfortunately, happens very often and has a number of reasons that it occurs as I will explain later in this article. The last type of elder abuse that often occurs is financial abuse. This is a very sizeable issue of elder abuse within our country and it is the most prevalent type of abuse that victimizes our elderly and long term medical care patients within this nation.

The most common victims of elder abuse in the United States are women over the age of 75, and reports show that the main types of abuse that these citizens are victimized by is neglect, financial, and physical abuse from those who have been given the position of caring for them.  The need for more security in long term care and nursing facilities has never been higher, if video surveillance and increased security was required in all care facilities within the United States then elder abuse and medical patient abuse could be deterred and also the employees of the facilities will also gain increased protection and security by the addition of security requirements. Blancato, Robert B. (2005).

The elders that reside in the United States within nursing facilities are often victims of many types of abuse, such as; theft, caregiver neglect, financial abuse, physical abuse, mental abuse, and even sexual abuse. There is a large amount of individuals that support the theory that this growing issue in our country can be deterred by adding video surveillance. The following graph shows statistics pertaining to the top five types of abuse that occurred within nursing facilities in the year of 2000. 

Another rationale that adds to the growing issue of abuse within medical care facilities is the fact that in today’s society it is much easier to gain nursing facility employment positions with less professional experience. An individual can obtain a medical assisting degree’s via the internet and home study programs without attending any on-campus classes to ensure that hands on experience is obtained before the individual gains employment as a medical professional. It is a known fact that an individual becomes a professional within their chosen career by gaining hands on experience in their specific field of study along with the proper schooling and training. Wolf, R. S., and Anetzberger, G.J. (2004).

Increased security and the addition of video surveillance in nursing and long term facilities will deter crime and ensure the safety of the residents and employees that reside there. There has always been an issue with crime in nursing facilities and it continues to grow into a much more dangerous level of an issue, the residents and employees of nursing facilities need to be protected and secure that that are safe and will not be victims of crime. Experts have gathered statistics proving that crime in nursing homes is a serious problem and the need for security in nursing facilities is a much needed requirement within our country and around the world.

The following line graph shows the dramatic increase of elder abuse per state that was reported in the years of 1999-2000. In 1999, there was an average of 108 reports of elder abuse in nursing facilities filed per state but in the year 2000 there was a drastic increase to an average 70,424 reports filed. Elder abuse is a large issue within our country and this graph shows a statistical example of how large the scale for reported abuse in nursing facilities has increased in the recent years. http://ncea.aoa.gov/NCEAroot/Main_Site/pdf/research/apsreport030703.pdf

Opposing arguments of the requirement of video surveillance in all long term care facilities include nursing facilities that claim that extra security measures are not needed and required video surveillance should not be mandatory in every nursing facility within the United States because reports of abuse have not occurred in every nursing and long term facility. Nursing facilities have also claimed that video surveillance would be an invasion of the patient privacy based on the facts that some individuals that are patients prefer to have privacy while they endure their time within the facility.

Nursing facilities and long term health care facilities object to increased security due to the idea that there is not enough required funding to support the security department, initial equipment purchases, and the needed maintenance. The government provides limited funding to health care facilities, especially long term care nursing facilities therefore it would be economically difficult for the facility to reach proper security standards. There is also controversy over privacy issue, some facilities claim that having required video surveillance in nursing homes is against patient confidentiality rules and that it removes the right of privacy from the residents of the nursing facility. Some residents agree with this theory because they were not victimized with abuse from the facility. This is a constant controversy and every individual has a right to their opinion, but when the safety of our nation’s elderly and long term medical care patients is being jeopardized due to lack of security and surveillance then something needs to be changed to avoid anymore abuse within nursing facilities.

This argument is completely understandable given the current economical situation that the United States is undergoing, security equipment and employees are not covered in medical funding from the government so nursing facilities fear pay cuts and layoffs due to the requirement of adding increased security. Another reason for understanding this counterargument is that every individual has a right to privacy and opinion, but most individuals that are residents of nursing and long term care facilities are full supporters of requiring video surveillance in all facilities. With that being said, video surveillance should definitely be considered to assist in deterring crime within our nation’s medical and nursing facilities.

Increased security within all nursing facilities can be done with assistance from the government and national charity organizations. If it were required for all nursing facilities in the United States to have video surveillance the government could put forth new health care funding bills to Congress to assist in providing the needed funds for increased security. With elder abuse and crime being such a growing problem in our country the need for increased security is very substantial and vital to assist in protecting the residents and the employees within long term care and nursing facilities. American Medical News. (July, 28, 2008).

 The government could raise a new health care bill to Congress to assist in covering the requirement of security in nursing facilities and in return provide better protect for the citizens of our country that reside and work in long term medical care facilities. There are many national charity organizations that already exist and support the need for increased security in nursing facilities. The requirement of video surveillance can be achieved with the support of these organizations and our nation government, something has got to be done to deter this growing issue in nursing facilities, the victims of abuse in nursing homes need resolution and the residents of nursing and long term care facilities need to be protected from crime and abuse.

 Organizations that support fighting against elder abuse are significant supporters of increasing security measures in long term care facilities and also would assist in providing funding for security equipment or needed supplies to ensure that more efforts are made to protect our nation’s elderly. The organizations include but are not limited to National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, National Association of State Units on Aging, and the National Center on Elder Abuse. Blancato, Robert B. (2005). There are many nursing non-profit organizations that support the well being and safety of nursing facility employees that would also assist in providing funding for increased security to ensure that nurses that are employed at long term care facilities are safe and secure.

In closing, with the assistance of government funding and charity organizations, increased security in nursing facilities can be successfully required to ensure the safety of the nation’s elderly and medical patients. Something must be done to deter any future abuse that could occur within long term care facilities and by requiring video surveillance in all nursing facilities in the United States it genuinely ensures the deterrence of elder and medical patient abuse as well as providing better security and safety of all nursing facility employees. This issue will continue to grow and our elderly are at high risk of abuse and crime until the people of the nation gather together and take a stand to protect any and all residents of nursing facilities.

References

American Medical News. (July, 28, 2008).

Editorial-Taking action toward prevention of elder mistreatment. American Medical News 28 July 2008: 18. General OneFile. Retrieved on Feb, 10, 2010. Retrieved from Gale Virtual Reference Library. http://find.galegroup.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/gps/start.do?prodId=IPS&userGroupName=uphoenix

Blancato, Robert B. (2005).

The Elderly Must Be Protected from Abuse.  At Issue: How Should Society Address the Needs of the Elderly? Ed. Tamara Thompson. San Diego: Greenhaven Press. Retrieved on Feb, 10, 2010. Retrieved from Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. http://find.galegroup.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/gps/start.do?prodId=IPS&userGroupName=uphoenix

Jacksonville Journal-Courier [Jacksonville, IL]. (July, 7, 2009).

General OneFile. Retrieved on Feb, 10, 2010.Retrieved from Gale Virtual Reference Library. http://find.galegroup.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/gps/start.do?prodId=IPS&userGroupName=uphoenix

Levin, Steven M., and Rushing, John M. (2008).

Litigating nursing home malpractice. GP Solo 25.5 (2008): 42. General OneFile. Retrieved on Feb, 10, 2010. Retrieved from Gale Virtual Reference Library. http://find.galegroup.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/gps/start.do?prodId=IPS&userGroupName=uphoenix

United States General Accounting Office. (March 2002).

Nursing Homes: More Can Be Done to Protect Residents from Abuse. Report to General Congressional Requesters. Retrieved on Feb, 10, 2010. Retrieved from U.S. General Accounting Office via the National Center on Elder Abuse.

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d02312.pdf

Wolf, Rosalie S., and Georgia J. Anetzberger. (2004).

Abuse, Interpersonal: III. Elder Abuse. Encyclopedia of Bioethics. Ed. Stephen Post. 3rd ed. Vol. 1. New York: Macmillan Reference USA. 53-57. Retrieved on Feb, 10, 2010. Retrieved from Gale Virtual Reference Library. http://find.galegroup.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/gps/start.do?prodId=IPS&userGroupName=uphoenix

Here are just a few things that contempo studies accept revealed:

• One abstraction begin that 44 percent of nursing home association accept suffered some anatomy of abuse. 48 percent appear accepting been advised or handled roughly. 38 percent appear accepting witnessed the corruption of others.

• Almost 30 percent of abiding affliction agents had witnessed some anatomy of concrete corruption of a accommodating in the antecedent year. 81 percent address accepting apparent some anatomy of verbal, physical, or added anatomy of corruption over this aforementioned time period. 40 percent accept to committing such acts at atomic already over the antecedent year.

• 66 percent of nursing home association ache from Alzheimer’s ache or added cerebral problems which acutely banned their adeptness to yield affliction of themselves or be acquainted that corruption is occurring.

• One third of nursing homes or added abiding affliction accessories accept been cited for violations that had the abeyant to advance to corruption and 10 percent were cited for absolute concrete abuse.

• 85 percent of nursing home agents blames staffing shortages for the could could cause of abuse.

Perhaps the a lot of alarming accomplishment indicates that alone 20 percent of instances of nursing home carelessness and corruption are anytime reported. There are several accessible affidavit that such instances do not get reported. For one, abounding nursing home association are too cognitively broken to accomplish a address on their own, whether they suffered the corruption or witnessed addition citizen getting abused.

Those who are able of authoritative a address generally accept not to out of abhorrence that accomplishing so would alone could could cause added abuse. Considering that abounding nursing home association do not accept accompany or ancestors adjacent who can analysis on them consistently to see that they are getting advised properly, this corruption can become a abiding issue.

Some might ask, what exactly is elder abuse?  The Administration on Aging explains it this way, “In general, elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Legislatures in all 50 states have passed some form of elder abuse prevention laws. Laws and definitions of terms vary considerably from one state to another, but broadly defined, abuse may be:

• Physical Abuse – inflicting physical pain or injury on a senior, e.g. slapping, bruising, or restraining by physical or chemical means.
• Sexual Abuse – non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.
• Neglect – the failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care, or protection for a vulnerable elder.
• Exploitation – the illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a senior for someone else’s benefit.
• Emotional Abuse – inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts, e.g. humiliating, intimidating, or threatening.
• Abandonment – desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person.
• Self-neglect – characterized as the failure of a person to perform essential, self-care tasks and that such failure threatens his/her own health or safety.”

I would like to add an additional category; Unknowingly Abuse. Working as a part time caregiver, I have seen family members convinced they can take care of their loved one. In most occasions, they are living in a senior apartment, assisted living facility or senior’s only retirement community. Some seniors have family that comes in regularly to see them to help, while others have always taken care of themselves and even though their own health is failing, cannot recognize they are incapable of doing it all alone. When you aren’t giving medication on a regular schedule, taking care of sores that might form due to poor hygiene or providing the loved one with proper nutrition, even though quite unintentional, it’s still elder abuse. I’ve even known seniors in charge of others that thought they didn’t need to shower or change their clothes daily.  Reminding or nudging that senior adult is sometimes necessary. Hence, Unknowingly Abuse.

Now there to many senior that suffer alone with elder abuse, be observant when visiting or you see them out and about. 

How do they look, act and smell? Do you see bruises or cuts? Has there personality changed? Do they smell as if they have not bathed, changed clothes or under garments?

Observe how the caregivers talk to the elder or about the elder. Do they still communicate well or has their relationship become strained? Do they argue more etc…?

Any little help you can give the senior/elder will give them hope. If you suspect abuse and the elder is in danger and needs immediate care call 911 or your local police department.

APS advises, “If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please tell someone. To report elder abuse, contact the Adult Protective Services (APS) agency in the state where the elder resides. You can find the APS reporting number for each state by:

• Visiting the “Hotline” section of the National Center on Elder Abuse website
• Visiting the Eldercare Locator website or calling 1-800-677-1116.”

 Be alert when it comes to the elderly in your community, you may be the one that saves their life.

66% of nursing home residents have Alzheimer’s. This leads to many residents being unable to report or be credible for reporting abuse. Forms of abuse are verbal, physical,sexual and neglect. Verbal abuse is widespread and leads to emotional abuse;verbal abuse also includes threatening which is very common. I have witnessed the fear of elderly. An elderly neighbor of mine is terrified of bill collectors to the point of tears, she believes everything that anyone tells her. As you can imagine, being threatened in the very place you live can be scary. There have been reports of physical abuse to the extreme of broken bones, bedsores, or even death. The bed soars are a result of leaving the elderly in their beds  or leaving their sheets wet and soiled for days on end. Many face dehydration and malnutrition due to the fact of neglect in their homes.

There was a case in Texas of an 84 year old man who was beaten to death in his bed by an employee of the nursing home.Another case involved a certified nurse beating one of the residents at the nursing home she worked at with a clipboard. There have been multiple reported cases of abuse in a Minnesota nursing home. Six residents were sexually, verbally, and physically abused. One died before the report was made.

It is sad that we leave our loved ones in these homes with the faith that those who work their will take over where we can’t. We are in essence leaving the life of our loved one with them. -Their life, happines, and wellbeing. The tragedy is that this is often not the case, and we are taking a risky chance in this decision. So what do you do? Do not be persuaded by the seemingly glamour of the facility or the price. Price should not be a factor when thinking of care for your loved one.Try getting suggestions from others who have their loved ones in care and visit different facilities. Make sure and visit at different times of the day for the same facility to ensure that the staff and care is in good quality at all times.Pay close attention to the staff as well as the residents. Observe if they seem happy and talkative or uptight and unhappy. Observe the residents at meal time. Do the residents seem well fed? Try to sample the food. Is the facility clean?

When suspecting abuse to a loved one check for visible bruises, cuts etc. Ask them, the attending physician, and attending nurse about the incident.Check their bathrooms and rooms or cleanliness. Look out for odors on their beds,clothes, and themselves.Have they lost weight? Do they seem depressed? These are all things to consider when suspecting abuse.Seek legal council if you suspect abuse, there are many advocates and agencies to assist you.

Most people have no idea that elder abuse even existed, or what it is; but just like child abuse it happens more often than we realize.

Elder abuse it when a provider, whether an agency, family friend or even their own child abuse their parent. This occurs every day in the United States, but nobody reports it. Mom and dad, grandparent all across the county are abused. Abuse does not have to be just physically hitting a person. A person can be physically abused when they are neglected, or exposed to toxic fumes

They can be mentally abused by being told that they are horrible human beings, or even worse told by their child of thirty or forty that they were the worst parents ever. When a five year old tells you he doesn’t love you, we have to look and see who is saying it, but when a forty year old daughter tells her mother of sixty eight that she was a horrible mother and human being; now that is mental abuse the daughter knows exactly what she is saying.

Then there is financial abuse, when a person is financially taking advantage of someone, whether it is a home attended or a family member. They slowly remove material things from their home, or bank accounts; sometimes they remove large amount without the elderly person ever knowing it, until it is too late. When it is a family member it is the hardest since you never expect it from someone you love.

Whether it is physical, mental or financial abuse, it needs to be addressed, either with other family members, the primary doctor if for whatever reason a person is sent to the hospital or emergency room, it should never be ignored. It exists and is happening probably to someone in your neighborhood and nobody even knows about it, usually until it is too late. Just like child abuse; if you see something, say something.

Give them a call

Many elderly people do not hear from people as much as they used to in their youth. Just a brief phone call to see how they are getting along can really lift their day and make them feel valued. If you live far away from grandparents, this may be the best option. It can also help alert you to any problems if you make the effort to call.

Visit the elderly

Do you have grandparents or know of any other elderly people who might appreciate a visit? Then take the initiative and pay them a visit. Many elderly people are housebound due to illness or immobility, so they might not be able to get out and about as much as they would like. You will be surprised to see the joy on their faces as they welcome you into their home, just because you have made the effort to visit. Even if you can only spare a few minutes of your time, try to visit and let them know you are thinking of them. Growing older does not take away a person’s need to socialize and have a friendly chat. The need for companionship actually seems to increase, rather than lessen, with age. Elderly people often admit that they are very lonely, especially if they are widowed and are living on their own. Just imagine spending year after year alone with hardly any visitors. It’s a dreadful thought.

Treat the elderly with respect

Do not assume that a person who is elderly has lost all their faculties and needs to be treated as a child. They have lived a lot longer than the younger generation and they deserve our utmost respect. Even if you do not know of anyone elderly within your own family, treat elderly people who are strangers with respect. You can do this by holding the door open for them to enter a shop before you and giving up your seat to them if they need it on the bus or train. A younger person tends to be fitter and stronger, whereas elderly people are more likely to have health problems and will need to rest more. This is a simple, but courteous act, that will be appreciated.

Take them out

An elderly person may not have the use of a car any longer if their eyesight has deteriorated or because of some other reason. So think about practical ways that you can help them, such as taking them shopping. If they are unable to go with you, ask them to make a shopping list and shop for them. Also, consider doctor’s visits. Many elderly people need to visit the doctor more so than when they were younger. They will need help to go to the doctor’s and then to pick up their prescription afterwards.

These are all practical ways that you can help someone who is elderly. They may seem like insignificant acts, but to a person who is old and frail, this can be seen as great acts of kindness. Elderly people are not useless. They still serve a useful purpose in society and do much to enhance your own life as well. I have benefited a great deal from the advice and friendship of elderly people, even though I am in my 20s. I have found many of them to be kind, warm and loving people.