Premium Essay

Elderly Abuse Research Paper

Submitted By
Words 819
Pages 4
The elderly population of the world are a vulnerably population to abuse. Most of the time elderly individuals rely on a caregiver or family member to help with their basic needs and without them, they would be hopeless to themselves. Conditions and circumstances that increase the likelihood of elderly abuse are poor physical and mental health of elderly person, elderly in hospitals, nursing homes, or long-term facilities, and lack of funds to pay for care (2) Those of poor physical and mental health are usually the individuals which are abused more (2). These individuals are unable to protect themselves and are high mistreated because the elderly individual cannot do anything to change the situation. In institutions, abuse of elderly can be …show more content…
Elderly often lose their dignity when the individual becomes incontinent and it goes uncleaned by staff, leaving them to sit in their own feces for hours. Lack of funds of family members often leads to relatives taking care of the elderly individual (4). However, this is a stressful job to take on and many are neglected or abused from frustration. The population of elderly individuals is expected to double from 2010 to 2050 (2). With the population of older individuals growing and growing will affect health care systems. Those of low income will be affect the most from lack of resources (2). Those who have inadequate resources will be expose to more risk factors than those of higher income …show more content…
Elderly abuse and protecting our elderly falls under goal three, good health and well-being, and goal ten, reducing inequality within and among countries (7). Goal number three is to ensure healthy lives for all ages (7). This means infants to elderly, everyone deserves the right to a health life. The UN is concerned with increasing life expectancy and eliminating common diseases leading to mortality (7). Goal number ten is aimed at decreasing the number of individuals in poverty. Low income elderly or elderly in poverty are more likely to be abused than high income individuals. Relieving elderly of poverty allows them better access to heal and education services (7). The goal targets to ensure social, economic and political inclusion of all, regardless of age

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Elderly Abuse Research Paper

...When Your Elderly Loved One Has Been Abused: How To Put A Personal Injury Case Together Finding out your elderly loved one has been abused in some way, be it neglect or another form of harm, can be completely devastating. The facility or person you put faith in to take care of them caused them harm, rather than looking out for their well-being. You do have options available to you, but it may require a lot of work on your part. Get Your Loved One To A Safer Place Even if you have to make arrangements for your loved one to stay at your house for the time being, do whatever it takes to get them away from the source of abuse. If your loved one requires professional medical care, such as around-the-clock monitoring, contact the primary physician...

Words: 1044 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Elderly Care

...------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- Elderly Care Introduction: Approximately 90% of people who take advantage of the elderly are their own family members. Elder abuse has a negative impact on the victimized elders worldwide. It is defined as intentional actions that cause harm or create a serious risk of harm (whether or not harm is intended) to a vulnerable elder by a caregiver or other person who stands in a trust relationship to the elder. This includes failure by a caregiver to satisfy the elder’s basic needs or to protect the elder from harm (Bonnie, R, & Wallace, R Eds., 2003). Although there is a lack of statistical information of elder abuse, there are sources that provide proof that elder abuse is a bigger issue than people perceive it to be. It can occur in many forms such as physical, emotional, financial and sexual abuse. In this paper, the question being investigated is “How knowledgeable are Barbadians on the effects of elder abuse?” The following literature reviews attempts to answer this question. Review of Findings: Each literature piece that has been reviewed pointed out that elder abuse is a major issue and is a topic that is given little recognition or response. According to Penny Bain and Charmaine Spencer, 2014, about 80% of abuse or neglect of older adults is hidden or goes undetected in Canada. Only about one in five cases of abuse come to the attention of community agencies or authorities. The article goes...

Words: 1065 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Child

...Regulatory Agency Paper University of Phoenix HCS 430 Legal Issues in Healthcare: Regulation and Compliance June 8, 2008 The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the many agencies that handle an array of healthcare departments as well as research. The DHHS caters to citizens of all nationalities, race, and ethnicities. The DHHS focus is to protect the health of all Americans and providing the highest level of human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. The Public Health Service is divided into 42 subdivisions (Department of Health and Human Services, 2007). This paper will give highlights of the history of the DHHS, the source and scope of authority, how the day-to-day operations are guided and performed, and how DHHS is structured. In addition, examples are given as to the duties that are carried out within the department of the DHHS. History of the Agency The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) was established in 1953 and was referred to as the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. In 1979, the agency was recreated and renamed as the Department of Education. The DHHS agency has many components within the agency that handles and maintains day-to-day operations. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008). Source and scope of authority According to the statement Office of Inspector General (OIG), the text reads that OIG will ensure that disseminated information meets the standards...

Words: 1081 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Elderly Care

...Elderly Care Ethical issue Paper Oshein Robinson Abstract When we are talking about the word neglect or abuse it is usually associated with woman, children and or animals. We forget to think about elderly abuse, which is overlooked because there is plenty of elderly who can look after themselves and still be a valuable part of society, but we forget the ones who are not capable of that. This paper is about raising concern about the ethical issues of elderly being abused and mistreated. Table of Contents Introduction 4 Physical Abuse 5 PYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE 6 neglect & Financial ABUSE 6 Sexual abuse 6 scope of the problem 7 SOLUTION 8 Conclusion 8 Citations 10 Introduction Elder Abuse is any form of mistreatment that results in harm or loss to an older person, elder abuse can be divided into the categories of physical abuse which is physical force that results in any bodily injury or pain this can be assault battery, and inappropriate restraint. Psychological and or emotional abuse which is tearing down their self-esteem, and belittling them. Neglect which is just providing the necessities for everyday living such as food, shelter, health care or protection. Sexual abuse can also be elder abuse it is still non-consensual. Last there is exploitation which is illegal taking of senior benefits. Each year hundreds up to thousands of elders are abused, and neglected for many victims they cannot help themselves since they are older and frail. In...

Words: 1982 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Elderly Population

...Vulnerable Population: Elderly population NUR/440 July 11, 2011 Anavictoria Fortaleza Vulnerable Population and Self-Awareness Paper The Elderly Population According to Chesnay (2008) “vulnerable populations are those with greater than average risk of developing health problems by virtue of their marginalized sociocultural status, their limited access to economic resources or personal characteristics such as gender or age. Anyone can be vulnerable at any given point in time as a result of life circumstances or response to illness or events” (p 3-4). For the last few decades, society and government have put a great deal of concern and interest on the aging population. The number of elderly population in the United States is rapidly increasing. The US population under the age of 65 tripled during the 20th century. This number is to double by the middle of next century. Over 70 million American citizens will be considered elderly by 2030, or about 20% of the population will be senior citizen (Walsh, 2009). The growing numbers are attributed to aging “Baby Boomers” and increasing life expectancies. Disability and disease are more common in elderly population such as hip fractures, parkinson’s disease, malnutrition, cardivovascular disease and malignant cancer. More than 70% of the elderly population has been diagnosed with a chronic disease (Pishchita, 2007). According to CDC, arthritis is the leading cause of disability among individuals over 65 years of age and 47% of...

Words: 1056 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Rise in Drug Abuse

...The Rise in Prescription Drug Abuse By: Laurie Mahaffey What is prescription drug abuse and who are the ones affected by it? Is it just young adults that are affected by prescription drug abuse or does this affect all generations? What are some of the prescription drugs that categorize this concern? What are the consequences of prescription drug abuse? What are some solutions to this problem? These questions concerning the rise in prescription drug abuse will be addressed in the following paragraphs. What is prescription drug abuse? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Prescription drug Abuse is defined as the “intentional use” of a medication without a prescription; in a way other than described; or for the experience or feeling it causes. This means that there are three circumstances that pertain to abuse of prescription drug abuse. First, let’s look at “intentional use” without a prescription. It is a federal offense to give or sell prescription medication to someone other than who it is prescribed to. Reading the side label tells you, that “FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS THE TRANSFER OF THIS DRUG TO ANY PERSON OTHER THAN THE PATIENT FOR WHOM IT WAS PRESCRIBED.” One reason shown for taking someone else’s prescription was “if a Dr. prescribes, than naturally safe.” This reason is also true in why some people hand out their own medication. If it’s okay for them, it won’t hurt someone else. Second reason for what defines abuse, using in a way other than described...

Words: 991 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Elder Abuse

...Elder Neglect and Abuse The latter years of a person's life have been called the "golden years" unfortunately the numbers of elders being abused are growing each year. Gray-Vickrey (2001) reports that neglect occurs in 49 percent of substantiated elder abuse cases, emotional abuse is found in 35 percent of cases, financial abuse is found in 30 percent of cases, and physical abuse or use of physical force is found in 25 percent of cases. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates more than half a million of our nation’s elders are mistreated each year, of course the numbers may be three times higher since few cases of abuse are reported or investigated (Axmaker, 2003). Experts estimate the number of older adults who are mistreated annually at more than two million (Swagerty, 1999, p.2804). A U.S. National Elder Abuse Incidence Study confirmed that reported elder abuse cases are only the "tip of the iceberg" (National Center on Elder Abuse, 2003). The study also shown that two-thirds of the offenders were adult children or spouses. Additionally, elders are being abused in nursing homes, hospitals, or other institutions; in one study, 36 percent of nursing home staff stated that they had witnessed at least one physical abuse incident with an elderly patient (Nelson, 2002). Clearly, elder mistreatment or abuse of the elderly is a growing social occurrence. Unfortunately, our elder population is considered to be easy targets because they are perceived to be fragile and defenseless...

Words: 2493 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Elderly Abuse

...Assignment 4, Part 1: Research Project Draft Submission Clarissa Ensley Instructor: Timothy P. Kelly CRJ 105: Crime & Criminal Behavior August 25, 2013 Elder abuse is a serious problem in this country and around the world. The National Center for Victims of Crime (2008) reports: “In the United States, there are presently about 39 million individuals over the age of 65; the U.S. Census Bureau projects that more than 62 million Americans will be 65 or older in 2025.” In a current report, the U. S. Census Bureau (2010) reports, “Between 2010 and 2050, the United States is projected to experience rapid growth in its older population.   In 2050, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to be 88.5 million, more than double its projected population of 40.2 million in 2010.” Harvey (2008) concurs, he advises that by the year 2030, persons over sixty-five will reach eighty-five million; eight million will be over the age of eighty-five. Harvey goes on to mention, “The minority elderly may face more serious problems than the white elderly because they are sometimes less able to advocate for themselves because of cultural, language, or education barriers.” This data suggests that as the population of elderly continues to grow, so will the possibility of incidents of abuse.   In a domestic environment, abuse of the elderly comes at the hands of their caretakers; this is commonly a family member. Reports of elder abuse are often met with disbelief. People do not...

Words: 1919 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Regulatory Agency

...Regulatory Agency Paper University of Phoenix HCS 430 Legal Issues in Healthcare: Regulation and Compliance June 8, 2008 The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the many agencies that handle an array of healthcare departments as well as research. The DHHS caters to citizens of all nationalities, race, and ethnicities. The DHHS focus is to protect the health of all Americans and providing the highest level of human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. The Public Health Service is divided into 42 subdivisions (Department of Health and Human Services, 2007). This paper will give highlights of the history of the DHHS, the source and scope of authority, how the day-to-day operations are guided and performed, and how DHHS is structured. In addition, examples are given as to the duties that are carried out within the department of the DHHS. History of the Agency The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) was established in 1953 and was referred to as the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. In 1979, the agency was recreated and renamed as the Department of Education. The DHHS agency has many components within the agency that handles and maintains day-to-day operations. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008). Source and scope of authority According to the statement Office of Inspector General (OIG), the text reads that OIG will ensure that disseminated information meets...

Words: 1188 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Special Populations

...For this paper, I have selected one special population that I believe I want to work with and assist. The first step involves discussing the populations reviewed and the one selected as well as why the selection was made. The writer will discuss why the interest formed on that specific area and what she thinks she would bring to helping that would benefit this specific population. Special populations include groups of people who may face vulnerabilities because of circumstances. People within these populations are cannot advocate for themselves and depend on others for support and services. People who fall into the category of vulnerable populations are children, the elderly, the disabled, and the mentally disabled.   Populations Reviewed For the purposes of this paper, I looked into two different special populations. The first group I reviewed was the elderly. The elderly often face ridicule and stereotyping and this can lead to abuse and neglect. In fact, many elderly people function independently in society but for others, aging cause problems with their ability to make sound decisions, care for their own physical and financial needs, and several other issues. This is why many of the elderly need the assistance of support services. I am really interested in elderly care do to the fact I hear so much in the news about elderly mistreated. I think of my grandparents while hearing this. I feel even though they are elderly doesn’t mean they don’t have feeling. I...

Words: 910 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Elder Abuse Research Paper

...As human beings we age, but as a nation we are not focused on aging as a social problem. However, the older we get the more dependent we become on our younger generations to provide our basic needs. Elders in our family then become a burden, a stressor, an inconvenience to our daily life, and a financial responsibility. As a family and support system, you adapt to the ever changing situation or you work with health care institutions to offer support to your loved one that you can no longer deliver. In an ideal world, your elder would be in a place of comfort to live the rest of their life. However, institutions and caregivers do not always provide this ideal standard of care which in turn may lead to elder neglect and abuse. With many varying...

Words: 314 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Domestic Violence

...CONTENTS PAGE 1.Introduction 2.Definition of Concepts 2.1 Domestic Violence 2.2 Victim 3.Types of domestic violence 3.1 Physical Abuse 3.2 Sexual Abuse 3.3 Emotional Abuse 3.4 Economic Abuse 4. Victims of domestic Violence 4.1 Women and Violence 4.1.1 Women as Victims 5. Men as Victims 6. Children as Victims 6.1 Major types of child Abuse and Neglect 6.1.1 Children Physical Abuse 6.1.2 Children Neglect 6.1.3 Children Sexual Abuse 6.1.4 Children emotional Abuse 7. Crime and the Elderly 8. Conclusion 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 2 9. Bibliography 9 3 1.Introduction The paper seeks provide an understanding into how members of the family can be violated by their own members ,how they can be affected by such violation in their different forms. It highlights members of the family that experience violence as both men and women, the elderly and children and how each of them are impacted by the violence. As Doerner and lab (2012:206) states, it is common for one to think of crime and criminals as people not related to the victim. In actuality ,however, one is more likely to be killed or beaten by a person they know than a total stranger. This renders domestic Violence a hidden problem(Daves:1994)as it often takes place in private, behind closed doors, where no one can see the physical affliction or hear the anguished pleas for help. This paper will seek definition of key concepts such as Domestic Violence, who the victims are and how they experience the various forms...

Words: 2396 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

White Collar

...future; and health and medical scams, which promise the equipment and service that do not perform as advertised. Also, research was taken from a survey from a rehab center with most of them senior citizens. The primary advice for preventing such white-collar crimes is to never give money for a product, service, or investment based upon a person's or business promise without first conducting a thorough background check. Key Terms: Senior Citizen, White Collar Crime, Prevention, Con Artists White Collar Crime against Senior Citizens Senior citizens are some of the most vulnerable targets when it comes to fraud and scam within white collar crime. There are many reasons why many people target the senior citizens and elderly mostly including but not limited to: because they are too polite and have good manners. For example, the elderly will usually not say no to people they are talking to. One of the main reasons that senior citizens have a problem is when they do find out about the scam and/or fraud; they are too embarrassed to report to the police or even their family members. This paper will focus on why the elderly are being targeted, the different types of white collar crime committed against them, and how they can be prevented. After speaking with a majority of the senior citizens, and some of their families members, about crime against the elderly at Ashbrook Care and Rehab Center in New Jersey, it was noted that half of them are victims...

Words: 1862 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Crime Against Elderly

...against the elderly in socially organized and disorganized communities Table of Contents Introduction 4 Defining Elderly Abuse 7 Traditional Societies 8 The length of the problem 9 Institutional Settings 9 Risk factor for Elder Abuse 10 Individual factors 10 Factors of Relationship 11 Factors of Community and Society 12 The result of elder abuse 14 Domestic Settings 14 Treatment in institutions 14 Preventing Elder Abuse 15 Feedback from national level 16 Responses from local people 18 Social Service 19 Health Care 20 Legal Proceeding 21 Campaign to generate public awareness 22 Recommendations 23 Greater Knowledge 23 Causes of the abuse 24 Impact of abuse 24 Evaluating the process 24 Stringent laws 24 Basic Rights for Elders 25 Traditions 25 Other preventive measures 26 Conclusion 27 Reference 28 Introduction The history of elderly abuse is not a very new phenomenon. It can be traced back from a very early age if we flip through the sociological status of yesteryear. However with the passage of time and further defining a goal to reform child abuse and domestic violence, the objective of elderly abuse has also been considered in the agenda. Unlike other form violence, the elderly violence has come into limelight with the progress of public health and criminal justice. The issue of these two forms has paved a way to view, analyse and curb the issue on violence towards senior citizens of a society. This paper will focus...

Words: 7543 - Pages: 31

Premium Essay

Elder Abuse

...Elder Abuse Veronica Dalton SOC 120 Introduction to Ethics & Social Responsibility Dr. James Prentice May 26, 2012 Elder Abuse Elder abuse is a very serious issue in America today. The baby boomer generation has hit their elder years and drastically changed the numbers for this age group. Because the number has gone up so quickly we have limited people willing to take care of the elderly. The cost for care has gone up also, making more families opt to keep their loved ones at home instead of sending them to the nursing homes. The fear of elder abuse is higher now because of the cost rise in elder care. Nursing homes are being frowned upon because they do not have enough staff to properly take care of the patients they have. This presents a big problem for society because either choice, nursing homes or in home care can have a negative outcome for our elderly. Abuse is happening more often because we were not prepared in advance to take care of this jump in patients. This paper will look at this issue from a utilitarianism point of view as well as an emotivism point of view. From a utilitarianism point of view the best way to fix this problem would be for more people to pay attention to the elderly. Everyone working together to fix this issue would be the best route. Leaving it to only a few people is not going to work. Laws have been passed and yet we still have elder abuse going on. For the elderly that are being taken care of in their homes...

Words: 2670 - Pages: 11