Caring for an elderly family member can be a challenging responsibility, and identifying signs of abuse can be even more daunting…
Elder abuse claims Ireland are a distressing reality that can affect anyone, regardless of their ethnicity, socio-economic status, or background. Sadly, elderly individuals are frequently subjected to exploitation and mistreatment.
According to the World Health Organisation, elder abuse is defined as "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."
Risk Factors Associated with Old Age
As people age, they become more vulnerable to abuse. Elder abuse can occur in any setting, including their own homes, nursing homes, or other care facilities. Several risk factors contribute to the abuse of older adults, including gender, declining health, and a lack of support or isolation.
Gender
Women are at a higher risk of elder abuse than men. This is because women tend to live longer than men and are more likely to be widowed or divorced, which can leave them socially isolated and dependent on others for support.
Declining health
Older adults who experience declining physical or cognitive health are at a higher risk of abuse. They may require assistance with daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, and eating, which can make them vulnerable to exploitation.
Isolation and lack of support
Social isolation can increase the risk of elder abuse. Older adults who are isolated from family, friends, or other social networks may be more dependent on caregivers, making it easier for caregivers to engage in abuse or neglect. If elder abuse takes place of course you should get as much compensation as possible.
Types of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse takes many forms, including emotional, financial, physical, and sexual abuse and neglect. It's important to recognise the different types of elder abuse to protect your loved ones from harm.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is related to the use of threats, humiliation, or other tactics to control or manipulate an older adult. Signs of emotional abuse include loss of enjoyment from certain activities, emotional withdrawal, or a difficult relationship with a caregiver.
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse is the illegal or unauthorised use of an older person's funds, property, or assets. Signs of financial abuse include missing bank account statements, unexplainable transactions, or sudden changes in financial status.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse involves the use of force that results in bodily harm, pain, or impairment. Signs of physical abuse include broken bones, burns, dislocations, scars, or sprains.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involves any unwanted sexual contact or activity with an older adult. Signs of sexual abuse include unexplained bruises or injuries around the genitals or breasts, sexually transmitted infections, or torn or bloody clothing.
Signs of Neglect
Neglect is another form of elder abuse that can often go unnoticed. It refers to a caregiver's failure to provide the necessary care, attention, and resources required for the older adult's physical and mental well-being.
Some signs of neglect include a lack of proper medical care for illnesses, malnutrition, unexplained weight loss, unsanitary living conditions, and unwashed hair or clothing. Neglect can have severe consequences, such as infections, dehydration, and even death. If you notice any of these signs of neglect, it is crucial to take action immediately to prevent further harm.
How to Report Elder Abuse in Ireland
If you suspect that your family member is a victim of elder abuse in Ireland, there are various ways to report it. If there is an immediate risk to the older adult's safety, call the police right away. They will take action to ensure the person's safety and prevent any further harm.
If you are concerned about ongoing abuse, you can contact the local safeguarding and protection team, which is responsible for protecting vulnerable adults in the community. They will investigate the situation and take steps to prevent further harm.
If you suspect financial abuse, contact the bank's Vulnerable Customer Support to report the issue. They can help to protect the older adult's financial resources and prevent any further exploitation.
Finally, if you suspect the abuse of social welfare payments, contact the Department of Social Protection to report the issue. They can investigate the situation and take appropriate action to prevent further harm.
Identifying Abuse
Elder abuse is a significant concern in Ireland and around the world, and it is essential to know how to identify the warning signs and take action to prevent it. By understanding the risk factors, types of abuse, and warning signs, you can be better prepared to protect your family members from harm.
Remember, if you suspect that your loved one is a victim of elder abuse, do not hesitate to report it to the appropriate authorities. Together, we can work to prevent elder abuse and ensure that our older adults receive the care and respect they deserve.
Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained legal professional. Be sure to consult a civil litigation lawyer/solicitor if you’re seeking advice on elderly abuse claims. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.
