The World Health Organization reveals that around 1 in 6 older adults have experienced some form of abuse, and it is high in institutions such as nursing homes. The number only multiplies due to ignorance and unawareness in society. It is imperative to acknowledge this issue and take legal action on it. Even if the abuser is put behind bars, the effects of abuse persist. Abuse dramatically impacts seniors’ physical and mental health, affecting their lifestyle and relationships. Here are some ghastly effects of elderly abuse:
Physical Deterioration
Seniors sometimes go through physical and sexual abuse that causes bruises, fractures, broken bones and other injuries. The physical abuse is generally evident as anyone can see scars on their body, but it also starts showing in their body language, health and behavior. Some older adults significantly lose weight and have consistent physical pain. It also makes them prone to many health diseases as they become weaker and incapable of fighting illnesses.
Psychological Challenges
Physical, sexual and emotional abuse shambles the mental health of seniors. They start drowning in depression and isolate themselves from others. The abuse also amplifies illnesses such as dementia, anxiety, hypertension and others. In some cases, they completely lose their functionality and struggle to do their daily activities independently, while others altogether stop doing things that once gave them immense happiness. Needless to add, the rate of health deterioration only accelerates at such times.
Financial Strain
As established above, abuse makes seniors prone to many illnesses and deteriorates their health. To help them heal from physical, sexual and mental health abuse, they have to undergo multiple surgeries, treatment and medication. This puts immense financial strain on their family, which can give rise to conflict. Also, since seniors are not financially independent, they hesitate to ask for help in terms of treatment or medication, which makes them endure pain endlessly.
Relationship Strain
Abuse can also be in the form of manipulation, wherein caretakers may try to create differences between seniors and their family members by lying to them. This may lead seniors to distance themselves from their family members. This distance and difference can severely hurt them and affect their health. It will also impact family members as they notice a sudden change in their loved one’s behavior, putting them off track as they won’t be aware of the cause. In such cases, family members should take immediate steps, get into the details of the matter and remove seniors from toxic environments.
Reach Out Now
Cherokee Angel Senior Care And Training Center provides services like personal home care, companionship, homemaking and care for special individuals. We do an extensive background check of all our employees, so you are in safe hands. Our health experts build a close relationship with seniors and develop a sense of belongingness so they can be open and vulnerable. Reach out now.