Why Does Elder Abuse Happen?
When you look at an elderly loved one, a parent, a grandparent, or a friendly neighbor; you may not be able to imagine hurting them in some way. The truth is, these people have lived a full life, they have amazing stories to tell, and most will give you the shirt off their back if they can spare it. Therefore, you may ask why elder abuse happens. The answer is complicated, as complicated as the person being abused.
Passive Abuse
Being a caregiver is not an easy job. Most caregivers are family members that may feel as though they have to care for the elderly person. It gets frustrating and if dealing with an elderly family member with dementia, it can lead to a situation of passive abuse. This is when the elder is allowed to skip medications or go hungry for a short time because the caregiver is simply tired or feeling stressed. This is because even though the elderly person needs their caregiver, they may not realize that the caregiver also has needs.
Spontaneous Abuse
In spontaneous abuse situations, the caregiver will perhaps strike out, walk away, or take something as a way of getting back at the elderly person for something. It may be that the caregiver feels they are owed something or that they get frustrated by trying to help the elderly person and gets attitude from them. It isn’t planned out, thought about, or something that lasts long term. It is simply a stressful situation that gets out of hand.
Premeditated Abuse
When dealing with premeditated abuse, you are dealing with something that is thought out or planned. Perhaps the caregiver or family member spends months or years trying to manipulate the elder. It may start with a fair deal where the family member purchases things for the elder as a way to gain their trust. They may try to confuse the elder into believing something that isn’t real or to make them think that their only hope is to do what is suggested by the abuser. For instance, telling an elderly woman or man that their child is going to do something to hurt them and therefore to prevent losing what they have to their child; they should entrust it to them. This is especially beneficial if the elder is already dealing with a lot of confusion within their own mind.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse of a senior citizen is usually because the caregiver wants power over the elder. It may be a spouse that hits as a way to control or a nurse who wants to show that they are able to exert force. Sexual abuse, hitting, and even breaking bones are all possible. This is the easiest abuse to see and the easiest to prove since the evidence is visible.