Elder abuse is a complex problem cross-cutting through the social sphere, public health and other distinct areas and it is a violation of human rights. Each year hundreds of thousands of older persons are being abused, neglected and exploited by those they love and trust, like family members, caregivers, healthcare providers, medical professionals and others in their surroundings.
Although attention to elder abuse has increased somewhat in recent years, elder abuse and neglect are still a taboo subject and, still hidden in the shadow.
Elder abuse or neglect involves any act, or failure to act, that jeopardizes the health and/or well-being of the elderly. Such action or inaction is especially harmful when it occurs within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust. Sadly, there is significant evidence that “act, or failure to act, that jeopardizes the health and/or well-being of an elderly” occurs in the institutional settings of care variously known as long term care facilities, nursing homes, adult care homes, personal care homes, in-patient settings or hospitals/hospices by those who are in a breach of both, a direct obligation to care and an expectation of trust.
Elderly who live in residential settings that offer long-term care and supportive services are at particular risk for abuse and neglect due to the two major factors: vulnerability and dependency on others. Elderly with poor physical health or frailty, diminishing cognitive functioning are more likely to be victims of abuse and neglect, and these are exactly the people who need better care, protection and attention.
Elder abuse in institutional settings, the most hidden form of elderly mistreatment, is a pervasive phenomenon around the world with devastating effects on the victims. Even in the best institutional settings – abuse still happens. The extent of that phenomenon is unknown and very often intentionally concealed.
Institutional elder abuse may take the form of repeated incidents of poor or inadequate professional practice, or persistent ill-treatment or gross negligence. There may be a variety of underlying factors contributing to poor standards of care which could include, for example, inadequate physical environment, facility staffing shortages, inadequate staff training, inappropriate staff, inadequate staff orientation and supervision, organizational structure, lack of management overview and support, low wages, overcrowded facilities, stressful working conditions, high staff turnover, ineffective policies to meet residents’ needs and many other factors. However, none of these deficiencies can be an excuse for someone to be subjected to inhumane treatment, abusive, humiliating, or neglectful behaviour.
The COVID-19 has brought the elder abuse and neglect in long term care facilities and hospitals to a new level of awareness. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed many sad truths about the inadequate procedure, protocols, knowledge, skills, and practice to protect the health, well-being, and lives of the most vulnerable adults around the globe. The suffering many have endured in long-term care settings during this time is tragic and unacceptable. COVID -19 lessons serve as an immediate call-to-action to better protect the rights and dignity of older persons by all means.
As we continue to address the devastating impact of the global pandemic crisis, we all must take a stand against the human tragedy of elder abuse and neglect and continue to aggressively advocate to eliminate elder abuse in all of its forms. No human should be treated as if they did not matter, as if their life is no longer worth defending and protecting.
Older people deserve to be treated with the respect that their lives and achievements as people warrant. For that reason, it is crucial that those who live, work or socialize with the elderly maintain vigilance on the issue of abuse and neglect. Increasing awareness among those in caring positions and others who provide services to older adults, policymakers in the fields of ageing and health, and family members can help break patterns of abuse or neglect in institutional settings.