Different Types Of Elder Abuse | Michigan Elder Law Center

While not often talked about, elder abuse is a growing problem in society and nurses must be versed in the different types of abuse that can be perpetrated against the vulnerable elderly population.

A nurse manager a local nursing home revealed the results of a recent state survey that involved two assistant directors of nursing (ADONs) who were unable to name four types of elder abuse when asked by the surveyors. The two ADONs were able to come up with only three different types of abuse. Below is a list of the different types of elder abuse.

Physical Abuse

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, physical abuse is the use of physical force that might result in injury, pain or impairment. Hitting, striking, punching, slapping, kicking, whipping, burning, shaking, forced feeding, and pushing the elder are examples of physical abuse.

Neglect

A more passive type of abuse, occurs when the perpetrator intentionally or unintentionally withholds care or provides inadequate care to an elder who is unable to care for himself or herself. Basic needs may be withheld such as hydration, food, safety, necessary medications, medical care, and other necessities.

Abandonment

Abandonment occurs when a person who has assumed the responsibility of providing care to the elder suddenly walks away from this obligation without finding another qualified individual to take over. In a nutshell, the caregiver is deserting (abandoning) the elderly patient.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is also known as psychological abuse and mental abuse; moreover, verbal abuse falls under this umbrella. This type of abuse takes place when a person frightens, belittles, rejects, threatens, isolates, or humiliates the elder. Name-calling, yelling, or keeping the elderly person in a confined space are all examples of emotional abuse.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse happens when the perpetrator improperly or unlawfully controls the elder?s finances, property, and real estate holdings through misappropriation, forgery, lying, coercion, deception, theft, or withholding access to bank accounts.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse occurs when the perpetrator engages in unwanted sexual activity with the elder through threats, brute force, deception, or taking advantage of a person who lacks the mental capacity to give consent. Sexual abuse can involve penetrative intercourse, fondling, molestation, unwanted touch, unwelcome kissing, exposure of genitalia, and other acts. Sexual misconduct takes place when the perpetrator exploits his or her position or power or authority to persuade the elderly person to participate in unwanted sexual activity.

Contact Michigan Elder Law attorney Christopher Berry if you are weary of a loved one being abused.

Read more:
http://allnurses.com/geriatric-nurses-ltc/different-types-elder-796961.html

Attorney Christopher J. Berry is a Metro Detroit estate planning and elder law lawyer who helps families, seniors, veterans and business owners with their important legal needs. Oakland County estate planning lawyer, Christopher Berry is a partner in the Bloomfield Hills law firm of Witzke Berry PLLC. Mr. Berry practices in the areas ofestate planning, business, probate, veterans benefits & Medicaid planning. Follow Christopher on Twitter@chrisberryesq

Source: http://michiganelderlawcenter.com/different-types-of-elder-abuse/

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