Elderly abuse refers to a repeated inappropriate action within a relationship where trust is expected and causes distress or harm to an older individual. Physical abuse refers to a situation where intentional force is used resulting in observable harm (Andela et al., 2018). Emotional or psychological mistreatment is where mental pain, distress, or fear is inflicted on an aged person (Sadrollahi et al., 2020). It is essential to understand these mistreatments’ similarities and differences and the intervention measures to stop or prevent them.
Similarities
Emotional and physical mistreatments frequently happen at the same time. Andela et al. (2018) explain that these mistreatments instill fear in the victims and cause adverse health effects such as anxiety and depression. The elderly lose trust in their caregivers because they perceive them as bad (Andela et al., 2018). The victims feel guilty, shame, and blame themselves especially if they feel like a burden to others. Additionally, the victims incur financial constraints through seeking treatment after being abused. These mistreatments can also result in the death of older people.
Differences
There are various emotional and physical abuse differences in older people. Physical abuse causes bodily harm and can result in impairment, pain, or injury, such as broken bones (Andela et al., 2018). On the contrary, emotional abuse has no observable signs, but the abuser aims to make the victim look incompetent or crazy. (Andela et al., 2018). The acts involved in physical abuse include shaking, hitting, or kicking an individual. Sadrollahi et al. (2020) explain that in emotional mistreatment, the abuser uses verbal and non-verbal communication such as humiliation, insults, threats, or intimidation.
In conclusion, physical and emotional elderly abuse can be prevented by raising awareness campaigns about its adverse effects. Training the caregivers is essential because they understand how to deal with older people. However, if the risk is not immediate and a person suspects that the abuse has occurred or is happening, they should speak out. Mistreatments can be reported to the police or local adult protective agencies.
References
Andela, M., Truchot, D., & Huguenotte, V. (2018). Job demands, emotional dissonance and elderly abuse: The moderating role of organizational resources. Journal of Eder abuse & neglect, 30(5), 368-384.
Sadrollahi, A., Khalili, Z., Ghorbani, M., & Mahmoodi, M. (2020). The prevalence of various abuse types and their associated factors in the elderly. Journal of Research and Health, 10(1), 59-66.