In an earlier, perhaps more gracious time, it was not a problem. THE young, THE old, THE strong AND THE weak were absorbed into THE fabric OF THE extended family. IN our fast culture is there a place FOR those who can NO longer cope? 7420
This includes threats, verbal abuse, name calling, humiliation or efforts TO punish or make THE patient feel helpless. You should look for:
- Sudden changes IN behavior
- Agitation or anger
- Withdrawal
- Depression
- Confusion
864
People are living longer AND longer lives; many requiring ongoing, long-term care. Current events show that more elder abuse cases are being reported than IN years past, AND many experts believe that THE actual number OF cases will increase IN THE years ahead as older Americans constitute a larger proportion OF THE U.S. population than ever before. This is one OF THE pressing social issues OF our time. 5844
Mental abuse: 905
No one knows exactly how many elderly people are mistreated, but THE National Research Council's Panel TO Review Prevalence AND Risk OF Elder Abuse AND Neglect estimated IN a 2003 report that between one AND two million Americans, aged 65 or older, HAVE BEEN injured, exploited, neglected or otherwise mistreated by someone on whom they depend FOR care or protection.3067
Elder neglect: 1892
This includes beating, hurting or harming THE patient. It often includes unnecessary restraint. You should look for:
- Caregiver's refusal TO allow you TO see your parent alone.
- Look FOR bruises, broken bones, or broken eyeglasses.
- Look FOR cuts, open wounds, AND wounds IN various stages OF healing
- Look FOR inexplicable sprains, dislocations, AND internal injuries
5416
To persons OF good will it is hard TO understand what kind OF person would abuse THE elderly. Bullies actively seek OUT vulnerability AND gains gratification provoking arguments AND increasing hostility. Some even take pleasure IN inflicting physical harm. There are signs you can watch for: 2186
Physical abuse:6565
This gets down TO what is actually THE more fundamental issue: ultimately THE solution doesn't lie IN acknowledging THE issues AND teaching people how THE elderly should BE cared for, helpful as those may be. Education can't fix THE problem if people don't reassess their values.
3428
Many baby boomers, currently THE age group ranging from 40 TO 60 years old, can expect TO live well into their 80s AND 90s. Elder care often falls TO THE grown children OF seniors, who now are baby boomers AND busy with their own children AND careers. Can anything BE done?
- Gaining a comprehensive overview OF this current social problem is helpful.
5497
In order TO eliminate this growing social issue we need TO become one another's keeper.
