Elder Abuse Essay

“Elder abuse is a violation of human rights and a significant cause of illness, injury, loss of productivity, isolation and despair.” Do we value the elderly population, or do we take advantage of them and their weaknesses? This isn’t just a conflict in today’s society but in many previous years as well. This has been an ongoing occurrence that should be handled in a more serious manner. Whether you are the one being belittled, or if you are a loved one it’s a very serious depressing matter.

From having personal experiences with this conflict, it makes my point of view different than others who haven’t been in my position. Just talking about this gives me some sort of chilled grief, knowing that it is not something I, myself can change. I may be able to help partially, but the hope of drastically changing statistics is slim to none. One day in the future I will become a part of the elder population and I would hope for someone to give me the treatment I deserve, myself as well as everyone else. Aging is a part of the human life cycle, and some just do not have any respect for that. I wish it was possible to find out the reasoning behind people who abuse the elderly and don’t take care of them properly. Though, that probably isn’t possible you can always make assumptions to help you understand a little bit. What I do want to know is what kind of things happen to old people, the statistics throughout the world. This is a topic that should be taken seriously. Which brings to my concern, I believe it is in our best interest to care for our aged loved ones at home, rather than to ever put them in a nursing home, long term care or geriatric care.

There is a growing population of elderly people across the world who live and increasingly...

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...ty rather than the quality of the care they are giving to the ones who are in need. These people can be considered unsuited to give care.

There are many factors that can increase the risk of elder abuse. However, it does not mean their actions are excused. The intensity of an elderly person’s illness or their social isolation can bring more awareness to a bigger problem. Every one is different, and elders can all have different reactions to how they have been abused. Caregivers can be pushed beyond their capabilities and may not mean to yell at or ignore the desired need of the elders in their care. Those who are mindful should be more cautious and do things to prevent this everlasting predicament. Firstly, become aware of the seniors and their emotional state. Intervening when you suspect elder abuse, and make the smartest decision on how to report elder abuse.