Dear Editor,
What is elder abuse? It an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an elderly person; age 60 and above. The abuse occurs at the hands of a caregiver or a person the elder trusts. It is violence against [already] vulnerable persons. It is any act that causes harm or discomfort, confusion or distress to the elderly. It is emotional, psychological or financial. Typically, It includes, but is not limited to threats, neglect/self-neglect, bullying, harassing, intimidating, denial of – food, medical services, medication, adequate recreation; the abuse of dispensing medication (overdose or withholding of or late, erratic dispensation), isolation, lying to an elder, teasing, stealing from, misappropriation of their assets, financial fraud or any unwelcomed action.
Who can abuse an elderly?
It usually is perpetrated by persons within the family or someone who has been entrusted with access and care of the elderly. This may include institutions and entities too. By entity is meant Power of Attorneys, Trustees, and Personal Care Providers etc. Complete strangers too, who have occasional access to the elderly, in shopping centres, banks, and in other service providers spaces. Elders living alone need to be cautioned about accepting assistance from strangers. Even an offer to assist in crossing the streets can result in abuse and therefore trauma to the elder. Elders with overseas resident children are especially susceptible. Their lives become a ‘free-for-all’ for get rich quick hustlers.
How to recognise elder abuse?
Often times the signs are there but the public [neighbours too] are unaware or uncaring. The mind-my-business syndrome is prevalent. The old adage ‘where there is smoke there is fire’ is a good place to begin. Warning signs include:
Any kind of threatening, belittling, or controlling behavior
that you observe [from relatives or care giver]
increased signs of agitation [rocking, sucking, or mumbling]
unexplained withdrawal from normal activities,
Sudden change in alertness
Unexpected depression
malnutrition/dehydration
Poor hygiene
fear, sadness, anxiety,
displays a sense of resignation,
Inappropriate clothing and dressing
Sudden changes in financial situations,
surrounded by overgrowth and junk
occupying unclean and unhygienic spaces.
Elders with early stages or mid-stage dementia are particularly exploited as perpetrators use this slur to distract any assistance that might be forthcoming to the victim. Signs include:
Abnormal signs of agitation
being less communicative with you and others
hints of being mistreated
Strange behavior that could indicate anxiety or fear
constant complaining
Elders with dementia experience a higher risk of abuse. As many as 23% of older adults with dementia experience physical abuse, while as many as 62% of older adults may experience some form of emotional and psychological abuse. Elders who complain must be taken seriously and the allegations passed onto to the relevant authorities to be investigated. As with child abuse, doctors must report any complaints from elders of abuse or physical signs, such as sudden weight loss, so that they can be investigated. There is no specific Elder Abuse Legislation even though many ratified the UN Principles for Older persons 46/47 of 1990 – Strengthening Older People’s Rights. There is, however, the Domestic Violence Act. The crux of the matter is getting practitioners to act according to the law. Elder abuse is vile. It is reprehensible like child pornography and equates/resembles/has tenets of human trafficking.
My mother was and continues to be abused. Her body mass depleted rapidly between August and October 2020. Yet the doctors, who attended to her in December 2020 paid no attention, raised no alarm nor expressed dismay although her records at Kitty Health Clinic indicated that she was trembling, there was evidence of sleeplessness, inappropriate diet/eating and her vitals were very low. She called. She pleaded for my younger brother and me to come home. I came. But alas, the Ministry of Social Services failed her; continues to fail her. The law and legal system betrayed her. My mother has been tricked into agreeing to a psychological assessment then diagnosed mentally incompetent so that her assets were swindled from her and her beneficiaries.
Officers charged with the responsibility to serve and protect the elders in our communities must uphold their oath and work for the elders and not for favours. It is up to all of us to prevent and report suspected abuse and ensure that the relevant authorities follow through and take appropriate action. I did. Nothing was done to stop the abuse. The Attorney General and Minister of Human Services owe my mother and elders better service. I am expecting a proper and comprehensive investigation into my mother’s situation.
Sincerely,
Kim Medford
