Introduction:

Elder abuse is a global problem affecting millions of elderly

people. Elder abuse can take various forms, including physical,
emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. This
assignment will explore the different types of elder abuse,
factors that contribute to it, clinical features, and prevalence
rates. It will also discuss strategies for preventing and managing
elder abuse. Definition of

Elderly Abuse: Elder abuse is the mistreatment, neglect or

exploitation of an older person by a caregiver or another person
in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust. Elder
abuse can take various forms and can occur in different settings,
such as at home, in nursing homes, or in hospitals.
Cause of elderly abuse
Many factors seem to contribute to abuse and each case has its
own unique mix of factors
 Abusive style of interaction . in same families the members
have a way of relation to each other that is generally hostile
and non nurturing .
 Dependency
 Stress
 Addiction ( alcohol / drugs / gambling )
 Ageism/ lack of knowledge .
 Lack of social support

Types of Elder Abuse:

 Physical Abuse:This involves the use of physical force that
results in injury, pain, or impairment of the elderly person's
physical condition.

Emotional Abuse:This refers to the infliction of mental or

emotional anguish or distress on an older person.

Financial Abuse: This involves the misuse or exploitation of an

older person's financial resources.

Sexual Abuse: This involves any sexual activity with an older

person without his or her consent.

Neglect: This refers to the failure to provide necessary care or

protection to an older person.

Factors Contributing to Elder Abuse:

Caregiver stress and burden Social isolation of older adults
Substance abuse by the caregiver Financial problems Lack of
social support for caregivers Mental illness of the caregiver
Family conflicts Incidents of Elder Abuse: Elder abuse is often
underreported, making it difficult to determine the exact
prevalence rates. Studies have shown that older women are more
likely to experience abuse than older men. Elder abuse can occur
in any setting, but it is more common in nursing homes and
other long-term care facilities.

Prevalence Rates of Elder Abuse: According to the World

Health Organization (WHO), around 1 in 6 older people
experience some form of abuse, which equates to approximately
141 million people worldwide. However, these figures are likely
to be underestimated due to underreporting.

Clinical Features of Elder Abuse: Unexplained bruises, burns, or

fractures Changes in mood or behavior Withdrawal from social
activities or relationships Unexplained financial transactions or
changes in financial status Poor hygiene or unexplained weight
loss

Management of Elder Abuse: If elder abuse is suspected, it

should be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities.
The elderly person should be removed from the abusive
situation and given appropriate medical and psychological care.
The perpetrator should be held accountable for their actions.

Preventive Measures or Recommendations:

 Educate caregivers about the warning signs of elder abuse.
 Increase awareness of elder abuse among the general public.
 Provide support and respite services for caregivers.
 Establish legal and regulatory frameworks to protect older
adults from abuse.
 Provide social support and opportunities for older adults to
stay socially connected.
Community mental health service for the elderly

1 . collaborative partnership
 Family physician
 Psyciatrists
 Home care
 Public health
 Mental health
 Hospitals
 Senior center
 Monitoba housing

2 . mental health reform

 Establishment of traditional service
 Expanded range of community service
 Special project in long term care
 Conclusion: Elder abuse is a serious problem that affects
millions of older people worldwide. It is important to recognize
the different types of elder abuse and the factors that contribute
to it. Strategies for preventing and managing elder abuse include
increasing awareness, providing support for caregivers, and
holding perpetrators accountable. By taking action, we can help
protect older adults from abuse and ensure that they are able to
live their lives with dignity and respect