The Dangers of Elderly Abuse in Care Homes

BY: Hannah Jagiri

Elderly Abuse in care homes is a pressing issue that poses significant dangers to some of society’s most vulnerable individuals. As the global population ages, more people are entrusted to care homes, where they should receive the respect, compassion, and professional care they deserve. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

The rate of Elderly Abuse in nursing homes and care facilities is high.  Elderly Abuse in these settings can take various forms, including Physical, Emotional, Financial, and even Sexual Abuse, each of which carries severe consequences for the Victims (WHO, 2024). 

Types of Elderly Abuse in Care Homes

Physical Abuse in care homes can manifest as improper use of restraints, forceful handling, or outright violence. The bodily harm inflicted on elderly residents can lead to severe injuries, chronic pain, and even premature death (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015).

Emotional Abuse, such as verbal insults, threats, or neglect, can be equally damaging. The psychological impact of such abuse can result in depression, anxiety, and a rapid decline in mental health. Elderly individuals in care homes are often already coping with the challenges of aging, making them particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of emotional maltreatment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). 

Financial Abuse is another grave concern in care homes, where staff members or other residents may exploit the elderly’s vulnerability to steal money, manipulate wills, or take control of their assets. This form of abuse can leave elderly individuals financially destitute, stripping them of the resources needed for their care and well-being. Additionally, the betrayal of trust inherent in Financial Abuse can cause deep emotional trauma (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). 

Sexual Abuse, though less commonly reported, is a heinous violation that can have devastating effects on elderly residents. It often goes unnoticed due to the victim’s reluctance or inability to speak out, stemming from fear, shame, or cognitive impairments like dementia. The physical and psychological impact of such abuse can be catastrophic, further diminishing the quality of life for the Victim (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). 

Conclusion

The dangers of Elderly Abuse in care homes extend beyond the immediate harm to individual victims. It erodes the trust that families place in these facilities, leading to widespread fear and anxiety about the safety of their loved ones. Moreover, the systemic nature of this issue can perpetuate a culture of neglect and mistreatment within care institutions, affecting countless elderly individuals (Patel, Bunachita, Chiu, Suresh, & Patel, 2021).

It is important to enforce strict regulations, conduct regular inspections, and provide proper training to care home staff to combat this issue. Additionally, families and communities must remain vigilant, advocating for the rights and dignity of the elderly to ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve in their last years.

At ARO, we are here to support your personal healing journey towards your complete well-being. We bring solutions and real-time education for 21 different types of abuses. The most prevalent abuses are Sexual Abuse, Spousal Abuse, Physical Abuse, Psychological Abuse, Narcissistic Abuse, Financial Abuse, Self Abuse, Elderly Abuse, Isolation Abuse, Child Abuse, Bullying, Cyberbullying, Workplace Abuse, Religious Abuse, Medical Abuse, Food Abuse, Authority Abuse, Educational Abuse, Child Sexual Exploitation, Sex Trafficking, and Political Abuse. Support our efforts by visiting AbuseRefuge.org and NormTherapy.com to sign up for Norm Therapist® Training to become one of our dynamic staff members who serve Victims and Survivors of abuse worldwide, schedule Norm Therapy® sessions, become a Live Stream volunteer, join our mailing list to learn how you can make an impact on the Abuse Care Community, and provide life-saving financial assistance with a generous donation.

References

World Health Organization. (2024). Abuse of older people. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abuse-of-older-people 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015, December 8). Understanding elder abuse : Fact sheet, 2016. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/37396 

Patel, K., Bunachita, S., Chiu, H., Suresh, P., & Patel, U. K. (2021, April 8). Elder abuse: A comprehensive overview and physician-associated challenges. Cureus. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8110289/