As part of the Safeguarding Adults Week 2022 there has been coverage over Elder Abuse, including Key Facts about Elder Abuse from the World Health Organisation and What to look out for.
Elder abuse is defined 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, whether intended or not.
Key Facts:
- Around 1 in 6 people 60 years and older experienced some form of abuse in community settings
during the past year. - Rates of abuse of older people are high in institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities, with 2 in 3 staff reporting that they have committed abuse in the past year.
- Rates of abuse of older people have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Abuse of older people can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences.
- Abuse of older people is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations.
Some possible signs of Elder Abuse, What to Look Out For:
- Sudden changes in behaviour, such as becoming more nervous, jumpy, difficulty sleeping, aggressive or withdrawn
- Losing interest in favourite activities
- Unexplained or sudden weight loss
- Increased nervousness and/or hostility around a particular person and/or situation
- Carers not allowing and/or avoiding the person being left alone with others
- Unexplained bruising and/or injuries
- Unexpected bills and/or duplicated bills for services
- and more…
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