ELDERLY ABUSE AND AGING

Stages of Adulthood Young adulthood: Ages 19-40 Develop intimacy; close personal

relationships Middle adulthood: Ages 40-65 Develop a sense of having contributed to

society Late adulthood: Ages 65 – death 13.3% of population (2011) Goal is to feel satisfied with his/her life Tries to understand purpose of his/her life

Young Adulthood Marriage?? Parenthood??

Middle Adulthood Health concerns (eyesight, hearing,

bones, heart disease, diabetes (type 1 or type 2), cancer, etc.)

Physical transitions (menopause) Mental transitions Emotional transitions Social transitions

Late Adulthood Health concerns (eyesight, hearing,

bones, heart disease, osteoporosis cancer, etc.)

Physical transitions Mental transitions Emotional transitions Social transitions Financial Planning

Gerontology Branch of science dealing with aging &

problems of the aging population Gerontologists – people who study

aging Geriatrics – branch of medicine that

deals with the problems & diseases of old age/aging people

Mental Aspects of Aging

Dementia – the loss of mental functions such as thinking, memory, and reasoning that is severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily functioning

Alzheimer’s disease – most common form of dementia (4.5 million Americans suffer)

The main cause of death for the elderly is long term disorders

Caring for the elderly Nursing home – usually for the elderly who

need assistance Adult day care – similar to child day care Retirement communities – age minimum;

smaller homes (one floor); for active, healthy adults

In-home care – ramps; increased lighting; expanded door ways; lower cabinets

Hospice – program that helps the dying patient and family members

Elder Abuse The abuse or neglect of older family

members Can occur both within the family and in

institutional settings (nursing homes) Physical, emotional, sexual or financial

abuse

Types of Elderly Mistreatment

Neglect – caregiver fails to provide care & services which threatens health

Abuse – physical, emotional, or sexual Exploitation – misusing or stealing financial

resources/funds Abandonment – desertion of an older adult

by a caretaker Most of the mistreatment/elderly abuse

occurs at home by family members

Characteristics & Signs of Elderly Mistreatment

Bruises, broken bones, abrasions Poor hygiene Malnourished/dehydrated Over/under medicated Anxious Timid Depressed Seldom seen/never seen Missing glasses, dentures, hearing aids, etc.

Older Adult Protective Service Act

Established in 1988 Provides protective services to those

elderly people who seem to be in danger or harm

60 or older Must be lacking in responsibility,

incapacitated, or at risk or danger