Introduction
Elder abuse is a problem that pierces many areas of society, including medical, social, and familial realms. This type of abuse occurs most often when the person responsible for the elder’s well-being neglects or abuses their power. The most prominent kind of elder abuse is abuse by omission, which means that the caretaker fails to provide the elder with necessities (Lelkes, & O’Sullivan, 2020). The effect of elder abuse, just like any type of abuse, is lasting and deeply harmful. Therefore, it must be investigated and considered from different perspectives.
Cultural Differences of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is an issue that spans the world; however, it is not spread evenly. The prominence of elder abuse varies from culture and the state of elders themselves. For example, in the United States, the number of older people suffering from abuse is more significant among those with dementia by more than four times (Adib et al., 2019). Culturally, elder abuse differs greatly depending not only on the continent but the country. In Europe, the rates of elder abuse vary greatly: in Ireland, it stands at 2.2%, and in Croatia, it stands at 61.1%. China takes first place in Asia with 36.2%, and India ranks last with 14%. In Africa, the studies have been minimal, but they show abuse numbers of approximately 40% (Adib et al., 2019). The lower numbers of abuse could be explained by higher levels of income, life satisfaction, and cultural specifics. For example, in India, respect for elders is one of the cornerstones of society.
Benefits and Influences
Although it is difficult to imagine the benefits of such a trend as elder abuse, it is essential to note that the increasing awareness of this issue has served well in many aspects. Specifically, forces and strategies have been employed to prevent these instances and protect those who suffered from the abuse. It has been found that community support is crucial in helping older people develop a sense of independence. It could be done by linking them with local communities and establishing or maintaining friendships. In terms of protection, a greater emphasis has been put on mending family relationships and taking the elders into consideration rather than punishment and prosecution (Kirk et al., 2019). This shift shows that a more substantial consideration of its social aspect is needed to fix this trend.
Defining Family Meaning
Elder abuse stems from the older person’s inability to provide and care for themselves. In this case, one person must rely on their caretaker, sometimes for their most basic needs. The dynamic between those two or more people shifts from mutual support to one-sided assistance. This forces a new definition of the family onto involved family members. For those who are dependent, the family becomes synonymous with support and protection, and for people who are responsible, it can lead to significant strain (Lelkes, & O’Sullivan, 2020). It is important to mention that elder abuse can also cultivate from the caretaker’s desire to defend and provide the best for their dependant. This desire could lead to conflicts with medical professionals and misuse of medication (Kirk et al., 2019). It proves that changes within a family’s distribution of forces and responsibilities work as a powerful tool that can either strengthen or damage familiar connections.
Conclusion
In conclusion, elder abuse is a familiar trend that affects all levels of society and is prominent worldwide. It has calamitous consequences for those who suffer from it. It has been shown that this type of abuse varies depending on the person’s health and culture. A weaker state of mind entails greater numbers of abuse, while cultural peculiarities can minimize them. An introduction of a patient-caretaker dynamic into a family changes it drastically. The results do not always lead to elderly abuse; however, it is possible that strain and desire to protect evolve into neglect and abuse.
References
Adib, M., Esmaeili, M., Zakerimoghadam, M., & Nayeri, N. D. (2019). Barriers to help-seeking for elder abuse: A qualitative study of older adults. Geriatric Nursing, 40(6), 565–571.
Kirk, C. A., Killick, C., McAllister, A., & Taylor, B. (2019). Social workers’ perceptions of restorative approaches with families in cases of elder abuse: a qualitative study. The Journal of Adult Protection, 21(3), 190–200.
Lelkes, J., O’Sullivan, E. (2020). Elder abuse and adult safeguarding. Medicine, 49(1), 62–65.