Signs your elderly loved one is suffering abuse or neglect
No one wants to imagine that their elderly loved one would ever suffer abuse or neglect by the person designated specifically to care for them, but the sad fact is that it does happen. The Australian Institute of Family Studies has reported that up to five per cent of people aged 65 and over have experienced some form of elder abuse.
So, how can you tell if a loved one is being mistreated by a carer? The World Health Organisation defines elder abuse as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.” It varies from person to person, but typically the following signs should raise some red flags.
Patient signs:
- Poor hygiene
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Dirty living conditions
- Unexplained injuries
- Lack of proper care for injuries
- Depression and withdrawal
- Anger and irritation
- Confusion
- Sunken or discoloured eyes and cheeks
- Missing personal items
Carer signs:
- Unwilling to allow visitors to see the patient
- Aggression and lack of affection towards the patient
- History of mental illness, criminal activity, violence or drug use
- Conflicting accounts of how a patient sustained an injury
If any of these signs are ringing a bell, it could be time to intervene. Thankfully, each state, territory and New Zealand has a designated organisation to provide information, resources and help to those affected by elder abuse.
ACT: Older Persons Abuse Prevention Referral and Information Line, 02 6205 3535
NSW: NSW Elder Abuse Helpline, 1800 628 221
NT: Northern Territory Police, 131 444
QLD: Elder Abuse Prevention Unit, 1300 651 192
SA: Aged Rights Advocacy Service and Alliance for the Protection of Elder Abuse, 08 8232 5377 (Adelaide), 1800 700 600 (rural)
TAS: Tasmanian Elder Abuse Helpline, 1800 441 169
VIC: Seniors Rights Victoria, 1300 368 821
WA: Advocare Inc., 1300 724 679 (Perth), 1800 655 566 (rural)
NZ: Click here to visit the Age Concern website
Source: Advocare
Related links:
Why won’t my husband see the doctor?
The best-kept secret for caring for older loved ones