As a recruitment consultant for Aged Care services, ensuring proper treatment of the elderly is a cause that is extremely dear to me. Unfortunately, elder abuse is still a very real and prevalent issue. But what exactly is elder abuse and is it avoidable?

Continue reading as I explain elder abuse and the steps we can take to prevent it.

Elder abuse is often when someone in a position of trust carries out an act which causes harm to an elderly person.  The perpetrator can be a family member, caregiver, or anyone close to the victim.  It is a form of ageism which aims to take advantage of people that are perceived to be less able to defend themselves.

It's difficult to know how many people are victims of elder abuse.  Many don't come forward when they are being harmed.  Some feel shame or fear, others don't want to cause difficulty for the person who is abusing them, and there are those who are unable to seek help.  It is estimated that between 1% and 5% of elderly people are affected, but the actual figures may be much higher.

Types of Elder Abuse

• Financial – any improper conduct done which results in monetary or personal gain for the abuser or loss for the senior; the most common form of elder abuse
• Physical – any deliberate act that causes pain or discomfort, regardless of whether it results in injury.
• Psychological – any verbal and non-verbal act that lessens a person's sense of dignity or self-worth.
• Social – when the victim's access to family, friends, or the community is restricted for the purpose of gaining or maintaining control.
• Sexual – any sexual behaviour towards a person without their full knowledge or consent.
• Neglect – a form of abuse in which the needs of a person are not being met.

Effects of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse affects victims and their families in various ways depending on the form of abuse that is taking place.  For instance, financial abuse can cause a monetary crisis for the senior or a strain on the family that is caring for them.  Physical abuse and neglect can cause injury and even death, along with feelings of helplessness and despair.  Meanwhile, sexual, social, and psychological abuse often can lead to depression and mental health issues.

Prevention

Aged Care providers and Caregivers can take steps to not only prevent elder abuse, but also stop abuse that may already happening.

Here are a few measures that have been proven to be effective in combating abuse:

• Provide training for staff on how to recognise the signs of abuse.
• Conduct criminal background checks when hiring staff that are in a position of trust with vulnerable individuals.
• Offer counselling and peer support groups for seniors and caregivers.
• Become involved in your local network for the prevention of elder abuse.
• Advocate for seniors and their families when necessary.
• Discuss any concerns you have about a senior client with a supervisor.
• Develop a trusting relationship with seniors by listening to them and responding appropriately.
• Learn about agencies where you can report abuse and get help or information.

With a growing elderly population, everyone who has regular contact with seniors will need to be more diligent to ensure that elders are receiving the aid they need and are free from harm. Elderly people deserve respect and the ability to live out the remainder of their lives with dignity and proper care. We need to offer the same attention to our elders that we hope to receive when our turn comes.

How are you ensuring the care and safety of our elder citizens?  If you want to talk to someone about how to recruit the right staff in Aged Care, email me today on HTrumble@MorganConsulting.com.au