Caregiver Abuse and Solutions December 2022

It is often said that everyone has a breaking point. What about caregivers working under very stressful conditions? What about caregivers who believe that, under no circumstances, would they ever commit an abusive act against people they have loved dearly their entire lives. Are they even aware that abuse or neglect of an elderly person can be a criminal offense, a basis for legal litigation, and not just a family problem?

The tremendous challenges of caregiving can be underestimated when the commitment is made willingly to accept the position. Cases of older adults being abused physically, psychologically, sexually, and financially by caregivers, some whom they loved and trusted, continue through the years. Yes, abuse takes place in institutions, but abuse also occurs in shared living spaces with caregivers who are loved ones and relatives. 

Caregivers must always be consciously aware of their own needs and limitations as they go about the business of taking care of vulnerable people who depend on them. Respite time away from their patients can play a significant role in keeping them balanced, revitalized, healthy and relieved from excessive stress. This is time when they can reflect on and fulfill their own needs in ways they enjoy, socialize with others, explore resources and people who can support them on their caregiving journey. 

You may report suspected elder or vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation to Adult Protective Services by calling 855-444-3911. To report abuse in a nursing facility, call the Attorney General's Health Care Fraud Division on their statewide hotline, 800-24-ABUSE (800-242-2873).

Notify the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) Adult Protective Services at 855-444-3911, if you suspect elder or vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

The National Center on Eldercare Abuse (https://ncea.acl.gov/) or NCEA provides the latest information regarding research, training, best practices, news and resources on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation to professionals and the public. The NCEA is a resource for information on abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older people. All of these organizations can assist people in getting help.

Frances Shani Parker, Author 
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers. Visit Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog and Frances Shani Parker's Website.

Caregiver Abuse: Does Everyone Have a Breaking Point?

I often wonder if people realize the full impact of what they are saying when they make statements 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 elder abuse by caregiving family members. More and more cases of abuse toward elderly patients are being reported. This abuse can be physical, psychological, and exploitative. Many times the abuse occurs in shared living situations with caregivers.

Many people believe 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 though they know they shouldn’t. This is one reason why caregivers must always be mindful of taking care of and monitoring themselves. Often assistance from others is, not only helpful, but also mandatory, to prevent abuses from happening. Hospice team members and others can help with these needs and refer caregivers to those who can help them.

Caregivers need respite time away from patients, so they can share their experiences, gain
information from others, and relieve stress. They need programs that save them 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.

You can view a video about a caregiver confessing how she abused her mother here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/caregiver-confesses-abuse-mother-research-video-251-parker?trk=mp-author-card

Frances Shani Parker, Author

Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback at many booksellers in America and other countries and in e-book form at Amazon and Barnes and Noble booksellers.

Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog