Do people realize the full
impact of statements they make about what they would
never do, particularly when they are judging others? Many things people said
they would never do, regrettably, they have done. This brings up the topic of
older adult abuse by caregiving family members. More and more cases are being
reported. This abuse can be physical, psychological, and exploitative. It often
occurs in shared living situations with caregivers.
Everyone has a breaking point,
a moral boundary that must not be crossed. Caregivers overwhelmed with
depression, guilt, anger, and other stressors may have difficulty not crossing
over this boundary, even when they know they shouldn’t. This is one reason why
caregivers must always be mindful of taking care of and monitoring themselves.
Assistance from others is not only helpful, but also mandatory to prevent abuse
from happening. Healthcare workers can help with these needs and refer
caregivers to other resources.
Caregivers need respite
time away from patients to share their experiences, gain information
from others, and relieve stress. They need programs that save time and make
them feel that they are cared about. They need others to be their caregivers by
temporarily relieving their burdens, sharing an uplifting activity, being good
listeners, and providing encouragement.
What can happen when family
caregivers reach their breaking point and cross over? In this video titled Breaking
Point, a formerly abusive daughter shares
her frightening experience of abuse toward her mother and how she changed:
You can read more about older adult (elder) abuse from a multicultural perspective here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/older-adult-abuse-multicultural-views-research-video-parker?trk=mp-reader-card
Frances Shani Parker,
Author
Becoming Dead Right: A
Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book form at many booksellers in America and other countries.
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog
Caregivers are obligated to provide their elderly patients with the highest standard of care, regardless of any stress that comes with the job or in their personal lives. This article proves that even family members can be abusive and neglectful to their loved ones. The bottom line is that physical, mental or emotional abuse of an elderly individual is an act of extreme negligence inflicted upon an innocent, helpless victim, and it should be reported immediately to prevent future harassment.
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