Definition of Physical Abuse of the Elderly
Physically abusing an elderly person is against the law. Health and social services professionals are required by law to report anyone that they believe is physically abusing an elderly person.
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Physical Abuse of the Elderly
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Physical abuse is when a family member or caregiver harms or puts an elderly person in a dangerous situation. Some people are unknowingly abusers, while others are intentional abusers.
Types of Physical Abuse of the Elderly
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Physical abuse can include physical acts of violence like hitting, kicking, biting, or scratching. It can also include over- or under-medicating, the unnecessary use of restraints or force-feeding.
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Noticeable Signs of Physical Abuse
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Noticeable signs of physical abuse can be cuts or abrasions, bruises, marks left by restraints, bite marks, scars or burns.
Less Noticeable Signs of Physical Abuse
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Less noticeable sign of physical abuse can include dislocated or broken bones, bleeding from the nose, mouth or genitals that is unexplained. There may also be old wounds, like broken bones that were never properly treated.
Treatment of the Physical Abuse of the Elderly
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The first step is to remove the elderly person from where the physical abuse has been taking place. Then the elderly person will need medical attention for any injuries that remain, and counseling to help them emotionally recovery from being physically abused.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Hamed Masoumi
