Physical Elder Abuse - Essay Example

"Physical Elder Abuse" is a great example of a paper on social and family issues.
Elder abuse results in illnesses and diseases, injuries, and even causes the victims to despair and lose hope in life. Elder abuse deals with even neglect in satisfying the needs of the elderly by the caregivers. Physical abuse deals with the use of force or violence to inflict harm on their bodies. Unlike other forms of abuse, physical abuse can be quite easy to detect even in a case whereby the victims do not wish to talk about it. Signs of physical abuse are such as bruises and injuries on the skin, which can be easily seen.

However, some of the caregivers are ‘wise’ enough not to inflict pain in areas that will be noted and so it’s important to watch out for signs such as fear to express oneself in the presence of the caregiver, withdrawal from the activities within the society, depression and even suicidal tendencies in a very severe form (Papadopoulos, 2000). Upon realization that certain elders are being abused, one should administer care to them, and if severely injured take them to the hospital before getting in touch with facilities such as the NCEA in order to ensure that justice is administered and care is taken of the victims. Also, there are other organizations such as CARIE that deal with advocating for the rights of the elderly and they are easy to contact.

Cultural practices such as inheritance of wealth by the immediate family contribute to elder abuse by family. Also, the practice that has been raising that includes registering any elderly to a nursing home may contribute to cases where the nurses are neglected and underpaid, translating to them transferring their frustrations. Families holding on to their loved ones to appear good to the onlooker as well as bureaucratic procedures in the nursing homes may hinder the use of resources and the law to curb elder abuse.

Elder abuse has been a concern that needs to be addressed along with the questions that come with it such as whether the elderly are lesser human beings than those perpetuating the evil, or whose responsibility it is to take care of them. Perhaps it is worth noting that we all age sometimes, it’s an inevitable stage of life and an enviable thing for all to get there. So maybe we should pause and ask ‘what if it was me’?

In conclusion, elder abuse has been a concern over time, ranging in forms from physical abuse to even mental abuse. Physical abuse deals with the use of force on the body of the elderly and is the main part discussed (Payne, 2005). Its signs include injuries, withdrawal from society, fear, and depression. Elder abuse is a violation of human rights and so, there are policies concerning the same and institutions to ensure justice for the victim and provide care for them. The effects of abuse are rather severe such as death which is why abuse is a concern. It’s influenced by culture and beliefs. At the end of the day, it begs the question, are the elderly lesser beings by virtue of their being aged?