Faith Sumney
English 1302
Professor Hammett
Essay 1 Argumentative Proposal
3/11/23
Word count- 1000
Elderly Abuse
Elderly Abuse is a very serious problem that affects a large number of residents worldwide. Abuse comes in many different ways like physical, emotional, sexual, and even in ways like neglect. Abuse is something that completely takes away the person’s rights and can have serious consequences if caught. This needs to end. We need to have seriously trained people to take care of the elderly. People should have to pass many tests and courses to even be able to take care of the elderly. Which could hopefully stop the abuse.
Physical Abuse is probably one of the most common types of elderly abuse cases. It is when using force or violence against an elderly person. This form of abuse can lead to injury and suffering. There are many ways to abuse someone physically like hitting, kicking, slapping, and even restraining someone. In some cases, the abuse is caused by anger or frustration but that doesn’t make it right. Elderly abuse is in 1 in every 10 nursing homes.
Emotional Abuse is another type of abuse that is very common. This kind of abuse is performed by using words or actions to cause emotional pain or distress to a resident. This type of abuse is usually done to residents by many staff members rather than just one abuser. This type of abuse can be yelling, insulting, threatening, and even isolating. This can result in mental health problems, depression, anxiety, and so many other things.
Financial abuse cases usually happen in one-on-one care rather than in bigger nursing homes. It has very serious consequences. Financial abuse is when a caregiver steals money from a resident who doesn’t realize or isn’t in the right mindset and can be taken advantage of. Forging signatures is a big part of financial elderly abuse.
Sexual abuse is the least common form of abuse but is still a horrible and sick problem. There are so many cases of sexual abuse that are horrible to even hear about. Any kind of unwanted sexual contact with an elder is classified as sexual abuse. Examples can be touching, kissing, sex, and sexual gestures. Sexual abuse has very serious consequences. It can lead to physical injuries, trauma, STDs, and infections.
Neglect and abandonment are two other forms of elder abuse. Neglect can be a failure to provide the resident with basic needs like food, water, and medical care. Abandonment is leaving the resident alone without necessary care and medical support. This kind of abuse is so common. There are so many signs that show it that many people don’t realize or pay any attention to.
There are so many things that go into elderly abuse, like social isolation, financial stress, and even mental illness. Many caregivers who are elder abusers are usually struggling with mental health problems, substance abuse, or financial problems. In some cases of elderly abuse, there is a lack of education and awareness about the needs of the resident.
There are so many ways to prevent elderly abuse. It is so important that caregivers are educated and aware of the type of abuse and its signs of it. Caregivers need to be educated and properly taught how to take care of the patient. Healthcare professionals should be trained to recognize and respond to signs of elder abuse. Safeguards should be put in place to stop financial abuse.
One of the most important ways to prevent elder abuse is to provide residents with the support and resources they need to age in place. This can include access to affordable healthcare, housing, and transportation. This also includes social support and companionship. By providing the elderly with the resources they need to maintain their independence and dignity we can reduce the risk of them becoming victims of abuse. Another way to prevent and stop elderly abuse is to educate the public. People and families need to know the signs of elderly abuse to look for. Families who have their loved ones in nursing homes need to be cautious of these signs and know what to do and how to report this kind of case.
It is also important to have trustworthy caregivers who are completely trained and understand how to take care of the patient. The caregiver should have to take many courses that go into the depth of how to take care of the resident and different situations they will need to know how to react in. They should also have to go over the different types and signs of abuse. So many abuse cases are from a lack of knowledge of how to truly take care of the resident so to prevent this having in-depth courses that have to be passed could stop the abuse.
I also think having some kind of wellness check that is randomized can help find cases of abuse. Checking for bruises or marks can check for physical. Talking with the patient one on one can stop emotions. Showing us unannounced can stop neglect and abandonment because it will be a surprise visit. I think wellness checks should be once every 2 weeks randomly just to check on the patient and make sure they are well.
I also think if the resident is aware of different forms of abuse, they can know what to report too. If they are unaware, they are being abused then they would never understand it’s wrong and needs to be reported. So educating the resident on what abuse is and how they should be treated and taken care of is very important to stop the abuse.
In conclusion, elderly abuse is a serious problem that needs to be stopped. There are many steps we can take to end it. It affects such a large number of people every day worldwide and it needs to end. It can take form in so many ways and show so many signs that are never even realized. I think the different ideas I stated can help stop the abuses and keep our elderly safe.
Citations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Preventing Elder Abuse.” Www.cdc.gov, 2021, www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/elderabuse/fastfact.html.
“Stop Senior Abuse | Sokolove Law.” Nursing Home Abuse, nursinghome.sokolovelaw.com/?ppcp_platform=bing&src=bing_webppc_376705178_senior%20abuse_%7Bcontent%7D_e_o_elderly%20abuse_77515730884768_%28eb5cb23f3f631fca4fe3d6338051c3a9%29&jpow=jpow. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.
7 Types of Elder Abuse & How to Recognize It. saferseniorcare.com/types-of-elder-abuse/.
“Top 10 Elder Abuses of 2023.” Best Reviews Guide, www.bestreviews.guide/elder-abuse?origin=google&google_params. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.