International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 9, Issue 2, pp: (116-121), Month: October 2021 - March 2022, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLET: A BRIEF PRIMER IN AN ERA OF A PANDEMIC Dr. Anita Sharma Ph.D., LCSW Gerontology Program Director, University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, Louisiana, United States of America
Abstract: This article focuses on elder abuse and neglect as a growing social problem that became worse due to the covid-19 pandemic. With an expounding increase in the older population projected in the next ten years, it is crucial that professionals working in the Gerontology industry receive a comprehensive training in identifying, comprehending, addressing, and preventing elder abuse and neglect. This article provides information on different types of elder abuse and neglect, indicators, risk factors, theories of abuse, and caregiver issues while the older adults are dealing with isolation due to the pandemic. Keywords: Elder abuse, elder neglect, indicators of elder abuse, pandemic, isolation.
I. INTRODUCTION This paper provides a conceptual review and synthesis of the current research on elder abuse and neglect in an era of of a global pandemic. The purpose of this review is to provide a teaching and learning tool to students, paraprofessionals, and professionals working with people over the age of 60 years. Elder abuse and neglect has become a growing social problem. The US Census Bureau has indicated that there will be more people over the age of 65 than under 17 by 2030. The number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060, and the 65-and-older age group‘s share of the total population will rise from 16 percent to 23 percent (U.S. Census Bureau, Population Projections, 2019). About one in every seven, or 15.2%, of the population is an older American and persons reaching age 65 have an average life expectancy of an additional 19.4 years (20.6 years for females and 18 years for males) (U.S. Census Bureau, 2017). Given these figures, there is a higher probability of elder abuse and neglect as more older adults will experience an increase in their caregiving needs. During the pandemic, older adults became isolated which further increased the probability of their abuse and neglect including self-neglect.
II. DEFINING AND IDENTIFYING ELDER ABUSE Elder abuse is a complex and wide-ranging phenomenon encompassing a range of harms that affect the lives of older adults. In the most recent report of elder abuse and neglect, Elder Protective Services (EPS) received more than 253,426 reports on persons aged 60 years and older during a time period of 12 months [1], [2]. Reports of elder abuse and neglect have risen significantly in the last ten years ([3]. Studies have found that only 1 of every 13 or 14 cases of elder abuse is ever reported [4]. Generally, elder abuse and neglect is reported more among older Caucasian women living alone or with family members, diagnosed with depression and/or dementia, and needing assistance with activities of daily living and/or instrumental activities [5]. The incidence of abuse of older men may be higher than reported. Men may not report their abuse. The most predominant form of reported abuse is neglect by others and self-neglect. Vulnerability plays an important role in elders‘ likejihood to be abused and/or neglected. Perpetrators may be spouses, other family members, staff members of a facility, or other residents of a residential facility [3], [6]. Elder maltreatment was first described in 1975 when reports of ‗‗granny battering‘‘ became public knowledge [7]. The American Medical Association defines elder maltreatment as an act or omission that results in harm or threatened harm to
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