It’s something none of us ever want to experience or stumble upon, yet, the physical abuse of elders is very real. In New Zealand alone, it is estimated 10% of over 65-year-olds experience some form of elder abuse, and 1 in 5 of those cases involves physical violence. Tragically, only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse ever reach the attention of service agencies.
Physical abuse of older people encompasses a wide range of harm. It can include assault in the form of slapping, shoving, hitting, pinching, and hair pulling; involve neglect, physical restraint, and force-feeding, and even the deliberate withholding or deliberately incorrect administering of medication. In short, any harm done to an older person which is not accidental and which results in pain or injury, is physical elder abuse.
News of such abuse often reaches us via the media in cases where it involves staff engaging in systematic violence in care institutions. However, it is not the only situation in which this form of elder abuse rears its ugly head, nor is it only professionals who are the perpetrators. Violence towards older people can take place in a victim’s own home, in the home of a ‘friend,’ or in the home of a caregiver or family member (often one and the same). Those doing the harm may be home helps, respite caregivers, and family members (and this list isn’t exclusive).
As with most forms of abuse, the physical abuse of an older person often goes unreported, but by becoming aware of tell-tale signs, we can help spot it. One of the most obvious signs to watch out for is unexplained injuries. They can include bruising, especially where it occurs in unlikely places such as on the insides of arms and thighs, and where there is evidence (with colour) of bruising at different stages. Burn marks in unusual shapes, signs of chafing in places where restraints may have been used, and broken bones or fractures can all be suggestive of abuse.
In cases where physical abuse is being experienced, you may also notice changes in the behaviour of the victim, and their caregiver. A victim of physical elder abuse may shy away from being hugged or touched on the arm or shoulder because it results in pain, or they may try to change the subject if you make enquiries about their welfare. They may be always on the lookout for the approach of the abuser, and when they are in the same room as them, may be withdrawn or tearful.
Caregivers who are abusers may try to deter you from visiting the victim, or may always remain in the room with them while you are there. They may answer their phone for them when there is no reason to do this, be too ready with explanations about why an injury has occurred, or in some way blame an injury on the carelessness of the victim.
If you suspect physical abuse, try, where possible, to look into the bedroom of the person you are concerned about. This is because physical violence is often accompanied by neglect. If a bedroom is disorganised or unclean, if it has dirty laundry lying about or trip hazards that haven’t been attended to, or if medications appear to be in a state of chaos, these issues can all help to reinforce your suspicions.
No one wants to create trouble, or to lose a friendship, but nor should we ignore what feels like a genuine concern, even if it turns out to be unfounded. If you have any doubts about the safety of an older person, report your concerns. If you feel hesitant, ask yourself what you would want another to do for you if you were in a similar situation. Reporting elder abuse or your suspicion of it is as simple as calling the elder abuse 24 hour helpline on 0800 326 6865 (0800 EA NOT OK).
If you think you may be a victim of elder abuse, even if you feel confused about this, you can call the same number and speak confidentially with someone who understands. If you can’t access a phone, look for opportunities to talk to someone you can trust.
Elder abuse in any form is not OK and it is most definitely NOT the fault of the person it is directed at. Never be afraid to speak up about it, either for yourself or on behalf of another.