Neglect may be deliberate or it may be due to a lack of knowledge of the needs of older people. Denial Agitation 4. Care-giver or institutional abuse which may include physical containment or unreasonable restrictions being forced on the senior. Typically, the abusers are family relatives of the older person-sons, daughters, or spouses. Some relatives have problems with alcohol or drug abuse.
Some relatives have problems with stress.
Stress is often a trigger for abuse. Older people are often reluctant to talk about ill treatment because they are embarrassed or deny that this is happening to them and believe that it will soon stop. They may be ashamed of how their family members behave, or they fear being admitted to an institution. Inappropriate display of affection by the caregiver Flirtations, coyness, etc as possible indicators of inappropriate sexual relationship Social isolation of family, or isolation or restriction of activity of the older adult within the family unit by he caregiver Conflicting accounts of incidents by family, supporters, or victim Unwillingness or reluctance by the caregiver to comply with service providers in planning for care an implementation Inappropriate or unwarranted defensiveness by caregiver Some seniors are unable to speak out because of memory or language problems. The elder has the right to receive protective services in the least restrictive environment possible to achieve freedom, safety, and least disruption of lifestyle.