Sadly, elder abuse is a common global issue, with around 1 in 6 people aged 60 and older experiencing some form of abuse in community settings during the past year, according to the WHO.
In fact, rates of elder abuse are high in institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities, with 2 in 3 staff members reporting that they have committed abuse in the past year.
Alarmingly enough, the issue of elder abuse is only predicted to increase over the next few decades, as many countries are experiencing rapidly aging populations.
The global population of people aged 60 and above will more than double, from 900 million in 2015 to about 2 billion in 2050.
With our elderly loved ones being at such a high risk of experiencing elder abuse, it is essential that we ensure that they are receiving the gentle, kind, and proper care and treatment that they deserve.
Fortunately for you, there is something you can do about it—You have the power to end elder abuse by raising awareness this year on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
What is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day?
Officiated in 2006 by The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organisation, Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a day designed to raise awareness of a serious human rights violation— The abuse of senior citizens.
By promoting a better understanding of what elder abuse is, what the signs are, and how to address it, we can come together as a society to put an end to elder abuse.
When is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day?
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is on 15 June every year.
This year, in 2023, the day falls on a Thursday.
What is Elder Abuse and What is Considered Abuse?
Abuse Definition—What Does Abuse Mean?
Abuse is defined as the unfair, improper, cruel, violent, or harmful treatment of a person.
With this in mind, elder abuse is defined as the harm or threatened harm to an adult’s health or welfare caused by another.
While many might associate the word “abuse” with physical injury or harm, remember that abuse manifests itself in many forms.
Just a few examples of this include emotional abuse, financial abuse, and sexual abuse.
Neglect Definition—What is Neglect?
The definition of neglect is to fail to properly care for someone or something.
Just like abuse, neglect takes many forms.
For reference, a few examples of what neglect might look like are leaving a vulnerable person alone in a dangerous situation, not providing the basic necessities such as food and water, or not treating injuries, infections, or illnesses.
It is also possible for a person to neglect themselves, which is known as self-neglect.
Examples of self-neglect could be failing to maintain your hygiene by not bathing or brushing your teeth, refusing to seek medical attention for wounds or sickness, or not eating.
Can Elder Abuse Be Prevented?
Elder abuse is always the fault of the abuser—The victim is never to blame.
That being said, even though we cannot control the actions of others, there are still safety measures we can take to lower the likelihood of elder abuse.
Click here to read some tips that could possibly help prevent elder abuse of your loved one.
Warning Signs to Watch Out For—How to Recognise Different Types of Elder Abuse
Signs of Physical Abuse:
- Bruises or strange marks (burns, cuts, bleeding, handprints, rope marks on wrists or ankles)
- Strained or sore muscles
- Broken or sprained bones
- Recurring injuries
- When asked about injury, person doesn’t give a direct answer
- Afraid to be touched
- Not wanting to see a doctor
- Not wanting to be alone with a particular person or left by themselves
Financial Abuse:
- Strange ATM activity
- Suddenly not having enough money
- Unusually large withdrawals from bank accounts
- Signatures on checks don’t match the person’s signature
- Not paying bills
- Lifestyle doesn’t match the person’s financial situation
Signs of Verbal or Mental Abuse:
- Changes in personality, mood, and behaviours
- Loss of interest in social interactions
- Self-isolation
- Unreasonably frightened by everyday situations
- Extremely eager to do everything they are asked
Signs of Sexual Abuse:
- Unexplainable infections or STDs
- Torn, stained, or bloody undergarments
- Vaginal or anal pain, irritation, or bleeding
- Strange sexual dynamic with carer
- Pain when using the bathroom
- Fear or anxiety when the carer is around
- Bruised genitals, thighs, breasts, or buttocks
- Anxiety and fear about using the restroom or bathing
Signs of Neglect or Self-neglect:
- Visible weight loss
- Unusually hungry or thirsty
- Lack of medical aids such as proper medication, walkers, canes, glasses, hearing aids, etc.
- Refuses to seek medical help even when needed
- Person with dementia left without supervision
- Lack of basic hygiene or basic everyday items such as food, water, clean clothing, soap, etc.
- Alcohol bottles/ drugs laying around the house
What to Do if You Think a Loved One Has or Is Suffering from Elder Abuse
If your loved one is currently suffering from elder abuse, you should remove them from their situation immediately and report the people or organisations responsible.
Even if your loved one was abused in the past, or you suspect that they were or are currently being abused, it is still necessary to take action, as the abuser or institution remains at risk of abusing others.
It is equally vital to tend to the physical and mental health of your loved one that may still be suffering from the effects of this abuse, whether this means taking them to the doctor or connecting them with a therapist to help them work through it.
Some resources that you can utilise to get support and advice about how to address elder abuse are:
Action on Elder Abuse SA
Tel: 021 426-5255
Email: action@actiononelderabusesa.co.za or pat@actiononelderabusesa.co.za
Halt Elder Abuse Line (HEAL)
Toll-free number: 0800 00 30 81
South African Human Rights Commission (Western Cape)
Contact: Shafeeqah Salie
Tel: 021 426 2277
Email: ssalie@sahrc.org.za or sahrcinfo@sahrc.org.za
South African Social Security Agency (Sassa)
Toll free: 0800 60 10 11
Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
Or
SASSA Western Cape Office
Address: Golden Acre, Adderley Street, Cape Town, 8001
Tel: 021 469 0200
Fax: 021 469 0260
Email: GrantsEnquiriesWC@sassa.gov.za
