Elder Abuse

"Elder abuse can take many forms: financial exploitation, physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect or exploitation. It typically centers around a relationship of trust which is exploited to the elderly person’s disadvantage. The common denominator is the use of power and control by one individual to affect the well-being of an older victim. In 1987, Congress offered this definition of elder abuse: the domestic and institutional abuse of persons over age 60 involving physical, sexual, and emotional/psychological harm, as well as neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation."  Tom Simmons, LLP.

As caregivers, we need to be vigilant to give ourselves enough breaks to enable us to keep our patience, and we need to be vigilant to protect the person for whom we provide care from being abused or taken advantage of by others.  Statistically, most people who are abused are done so by those they know well:  often relatives.  It adds another responsibility to our long list, but I think it is very important that we be informed and vigilant to protect our care receiver from abuse and exploitation.