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Health

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  • Elder Abuse in a COVID-19 Era

Elder Abuse in a COVID-19 Era

  • Posted by pentvars
  • Categories Health
  • Date Jun 9, 2020
  • Comments 15 comments

It can sometimes be hard to imagine that anyone would want to harm an elderly person, but unfortunately, elder abuse does occur. With a growing global population of elderly people and as longevity increases, abuse of the elderly is an increasing and serious problem that affects the health of the elderly and their human rights. It is estimated that the global population of those aged 60 years and older will reach about 1.2 billion by the year 2025 and more than 2 billion in 2050 due to improved healthcare (UNDESA, 2013). In Ghana, the elderly population is also projected to grow by 2.5 million by 2025 to 6 million by 2050 (Ngnenbe, 2015).

The World Health Organization (WHO) report on Elder abuse says, it is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. (WHO, EA, 2018). Types of abuse includes physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment or neglect and financial or material fraud or any combination of these (WHO, EA, 2018). Types of abusers may include family members, informal and formal caregivers and acquaintances (Yon et al., 2018). Physical elder abuse occurs when force is used against an elder, resulting in some type of bodily pain, impairment or injury. In a hospital or nursing home setting, this type of abuse includes hitting, smacking and shoving. It also extends to physical restraints; drug restraints and confinement being used inappropriately (WHO, EA, 2017). Psychological and emotional abuse occurs when elderly patients are treated or spoken to in ways that cause them trauma or emotional pain. Likewise, it reflects any form of degrading or humiliating conduct such as instilling fear, mockery name calling and isolation of an older person (MacNeil etal., 2010). Sexual abuse is any kind of carnal contact that is conducted without consent. This may include sensual touching, forcing an elderly person to witness or watch sexual acts or pornographic materials or forcing the elder to undress against his or her will (Pillemer, Burnes, Riffin, & Lachs, 2016). Healthcare fraud occurs when medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, take advantage of elderly persons. Some of these behaviors may include: charging for procedures without performing them, providing unnecessary referrals or prescriptions, double-billing or charging more for services, providing too many or not enough medications, and providing treatments or medications for medical conditions that are fraudulent in nature (WHO, 2018; Mudiare 2013). Effects of mishandling of the aged can lead to bodily injuries ranging from minor scratches and bruises to broken bones and disabling injuries. For much older elders, the consequences of mishandling can lead to physical deformities, delayed convalescence or even death (Cohen, Halevy-Levin, & Gagin, 2010).

Current global efforts in combating elder abuse include knowing the symptoms of elder abuse which comprise bedsores, bruises, bodily injuries, recently lost weight, dehydration, poor hygiene, depression, anxiety, easily agitated and periodic crying; saying something if you suspect something and a more contemporary approach by spreading the word via social media platforms. The race is on throughout the world to develop COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics and end a pandemic that threatens global health, especially the aged. Ageism has virtually coloured every discussion in this COVID-19 era. The WHO defines ageism as the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against people on the basis of their increasing age (WHO, 2019). Ageism is pervasive, harmful, and arguably the primary vice underlying elder abuse. From the beginning, coronavirus has inspired ageist thoughts and comments given its partiality towards harming older adults. Adults aged 60 years and older and those with preexisting medical conditions, e.g. heart diseases, lung diseases, diabetes and cancer are more likely to have severe to deadly COVID-19 infections.

In these times, one precautionary measure against the infection is social distancing. This may be tough for older adults who cherish time spent with their families and friends. Faith communities are also a big part of older adults’ social lives and these have all been closed in this period. Social distancing doesn’t have to be isolation and loneliness. The WHO recognizing this, adapted the term to physical distancing. Social distancing has the potential to cause psychological or emotional abuse and neglect or abandonment and this can have a negative impact on older people’s immunity and mental health (Tsang et al., 2020). Thus, practicing physical distancing should not lead to social distancing and isolation particularly for the aged. Relatedly, in effect to promote social distancing, the possibility for elder abuse is all the more heightened, since perpetrators of abuse can be family members and friends. Additionally, with the introduction of caregivers, family members, friends and children of the aged working from home in this time, the possibility of unbuffered time together may contribute to circumstances leading to incidents of abuse. If the pandemic lingers on, physical distancing, social isolation and loneliness in old age will undoubtedly intensify, increasing elder abuse – physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse and neglect or abandonment.

The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is an annual international UN observance day celebrated to raise awareness of elder abuse and ways to prevent it. It encourages countries, regions, communities and the media to run events to highlight the awareness of elder abuse, the dangers of it and what can be done to prevent it. It is commemorated on the 15th of June each year. We celebrate it this year by this editorial to the world; If you see something, say something.

Article by Dr. Mrs. Abigail Kyei and Mr. Reginald Arthur-Mensah Jnr (Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Pentecost University)

Tag:abuse, elder

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    15 Comments

  1. David Yankah
    Jun 10, 2020

    Wow wow wow 👏 👏 👏 👏… This is really Great… I enjoyed reading this.. Very useful and Educative 🙌❣️🔥🔥🔥

  2. Osei Forson Gloria
    Jun 10, 2020

    It very educative, I enjoyed reading it.

  3. Joseph Owusu Tieku
    Jun 10, 2020

    Wow soo interesting and educative
    Big ups HOD and sit Reginald

  4. Anonymous
    Jun 10, 2020

    Thank you for the opportunity Pentvars. If you see something, say something!

  5. Anonymous
    Jun 10, 2020

    Insightful

  6. Eileen Adutwumwaa Amoh
    Jun 10, 2020

    Wow…..Thanks for remembering our Elders
    It’s very interesting. Thumbs up 👍

  7. Charity
    Jun 10, 2020

    Very informative. Thank you

  8. Rachel Boamah
    Jun 10, 2020

    What a great piece!!!

  9. Grace
    Jun 11, 2020

    Interesting Piece, very insightful!

  10. Gloria
    Jun 14, 2020

    Informative!

  11. Anonymous
    Jun 26, 2020

    Very very insightful

  12. Clement Akanzire
    Jul 9, 2020

    Wow this is really insightful.
    Thanks to Dr. Abigail Kyei and Sir. Reginald

  13. eduard
    Oct 8, 2020

    Hello guys, my name is Eduard Jaramillo!

    I`m an academic writer and I`m going to change your lifes onсe and for all
    Writing has been my passion since early years and now I cannot imagine my life without it.
    Most of my books were sold throughout Canada, USA, Old England and even Australia. Also I`m working with services that help people to save their nerves.
    People ask me “Hey, Eduard, I need your professional help” and I always accept the request, `cause I know, that only I can solve all their problems!

    Academic Writer – Eduard Jaramillo – Tips to make remote work effective. Corps

  14. leonard
    Oct 15, 2020

    My name is Leonard. And I am a professional academic writer with many years of experience in writing.

    My primary goal is to solve problems related to writing. And I have been doing it for many years. I have been with several organizations as a volunteer and have assisted clients in many ways.
    My love for writing has no end. It is like the air we breathe, something I cherish with all my being. I am a passionate writer who started at an early age.
    I’m happy that I`ve already sold several copies of my poems in different countries like USA, Russia and others too numerous to mention.
    I also work in an organization that provides assistance to many students from different parts of the world. Clients always come to me because I work no matter how complex their projects are. I help them to save time, because I feel fulfilled when people come to me for professional help.

    Ghost Writer – Leonard Rossi – http://www.asadeaguia.net Band

  15. Joseph
    Apr 10, 2021

    Wow… Very educative. Nice piece

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