There is no one predominant reason people abuse the elderly. Many times caregivers are under a great deal of stress. Not knowing how to care for an elderly person only adds to the already high levels of stress.
Initiating education programs, intervention programs and support groups in communities and among health care professionals will heighten awareness of abuse of our elderly. Many clinics and emergency departments have prescreening questions for abuse. Further training of law enforcement officials and medical professionals on how to recognize and respond to elder abuse is needed.
Support and assistance for care givers will help relieve the stress that goes with caring for elderly patients. Educating the caregiver about disease processes, stages of disease the elderly person may be at, and how to manage problems would all be beneficial and lend support.
Support groups that allow the caregiver to verbalize problems and difficulties would be of great value to many caregivers. Being able to relate to other caregivers that are having similar problems and feelings takes much of the stress away from perceived difficulties.
An increase in respite centers is needed in all communities. Respite centers allow the caregiver time off. Volunteers or paid caregivers sometimes go to the home of the elderly person to help out for a given period of time. There are respite centers that function much like daycares and the elderly person is brought to the center and cared for part of the day. This allows the caregiver to focus on themselves and take needed breaks in caring for the elderly.
Our elderly population deserves good quality care regardless of who is caring for them. Abuse of the elderly is widespread and should not be tolerated. Awareness of elder abuse is the first step to prevention.