Abuse is some action by a trusted individual that causes physical or emotional harm to the victim. There are a number of different kinds of abuse including physical, financial and neglect.  Emotional abuse is another kind of abuse that we hear of but don’t think it happens.  People who commit emotional abuse tend to hurt their victims on a regular basis or even daily.

What is Emotional Abuse?    

Emotional abuse is when someone causes anguish, pain or distress to another person by what they say or do.

Emotional Abuse includes:

• insults
• threats
• intimidation
• humiliation
• harassment
• treating an elderly person like a child
• keeping someone away from their family/loved ones
• giving someone “silent treatment” or ignoring them

Signs of Emotional Abuse:

• Seems to be afraid of certain caregivers or family members
• Are yelled at by family members or caregivers
• Are chastised by family members or caregivers
• Are suddenly very agitated/short tempered
• Suddenly confused or more confused than usual
• Talks about being worthless or who are very depressed
• Have trouble sleeping or  seems to never get enough sleep
• Have a sudden change in appetite
• Have big changes in their weight (up or down)
• Seems quiet or stops talking suddenly
• Cries all the time or is distraught
• Talks about being helpless
• Seems scared to talk to you about their lives or their health
• Are angry all the time  

What you can do about Emotional Abuse:

Keep a close eye on your loved ones or client. Don’t be afraid to discuss a situation that might be considered emotional abuse.  Report any suspicions to the proper authority.

Encourage open communication as you are their sounding board and rely on you to help  them.

Treat your loved ones/client with respect and be kind to them. Always treat them the way you would like to be treated.

Abuse happens in every community.  Every day there are elderly people being abused in their own homes. Physical abuse is one that is unimaginable but yet it still happens.  People who commit physical abuse are usually stressed out or have emotional problems of their own.  The abuser is usually a family member often with psychological problems.

What is physical abuse?

Physical abuse is the use of physical force that may cause injury, pain or impairment.

Physical abuse includes:

• punching, hitting, slapping or beating
• pushing or shoving
• shaking/kicking
• pinching
• burning
• using physical restraints inappropriately
• taking away all food or water or forcing food
• putting someone out unprotected in severe weather
• using physical punishment
• making inappropriate sexual contact

Signs of physical abuse:

• burn marks, including cigarette burns
• unexplained bruises especially bruises in the shape of a belt or fingers
• mutliple bruises/ black eyes 
• frequent trips to the emergency room
• cuts or scrapes
• sexual assault
• spots where hair seems to have been pulled out
• rope marks especially on wrist or ankles
• broken bones
• broken eyeglasses  
• limping  

Ways to prevent physical abuse:

• Keep a close eye on your loved one or client.  Report any suspicions of physical abuse to the proper authority.
• Discuss physical contact with your loved one what is appropriate and what some may consider it an invasion of their private space. Be understanding as it is a sensitive issue.
• Be gentle with your loved one or patient. Rushing may save you time but it doesn’t work out in the long run if your loved one or patient becomes hurt or injured.

If you suspect there is physical abuse don’t wait to report the abuse because you might think it’s not.  If it is abuse you can trully save someone’s life.  If it isn’t abuse no one will get hurt. You are looking out for that person’s best interest.

Neglect is another type of abuse that seniors face and it is one that is a serious problem in our communities.  People are most at risk when they get older and become sick and aren’t able to take care of themselves. The job of care giving usually falls on their loved ones or a hired caregiver. While most families will do whatever it takes to make sure their loved ones are taken care of, not all agree.  Most are left with feelings of resentment, burden and in some cases don’t feel that they have to take care of their parents at all. The hired caregivers are often overworked, stressed out or poorly trained. It is important to learn about neglect so that we know the signs of abuse to protect our loved ones or patients.

What is neglect?

Neglect is when someone refuses or fails to take care of someone for whom they are responsible.

Examples of neglect:

• Refuses to take an elderly person to the bathroom.
• Leaves an elderly person in the same clothes for a month.
• Leaves an elderly person in a dirty and unsafe environment that smells of urine or feces.

 Signs of neglect:

• Stays in an environment that has health or safety hazards such as no heat or no running water.
• Have rashes, sores or lice.
• Don’t have enough clothes to stay comfortable or warm.
• Seem poorly fed or dehydrated.
• Have a medical condition that is going untreated.
• Don’t have the medications they need.
• Have a dirty appearance.
• Have ripped clothing.
• Are lying in soiled bed linens when you arrive.
• Complain of not getting enough sleep.
• Never seem to have to urinate. They may be dehydrated.
• Beg for food constantly.
• Have muscles that are contracted.
• Have bed sores, especially if the sores don’t seem to be getting treated.  

Ways to prevent neglect:

• Keep a close eye on your loved one or client. Report any suspicions of neglect to the proper authority.
• Encourage your loved one or client to be as independent as possible but never refuse help if they ask you for assistance.
• Follow your loved one or client’s care plans carefully.
• Listen to your loved one or client’s needs. They depend on you for their most basic needs.

Follow these suggestions and you will help your loved one or client live a happier and more comfortable life.

Depression is a disease not just a way of feeling. Everyone feels “blue” now and again, but those feelings of sadness go away. Depression is different.  It is an illness that comes from a chemical imbalance in the brain. People who are diagnosed with depression have an illness that affects their whole body, including their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, physical health, appearance and daily activities. 

The most important thing to remember about depression and the elderly is that being depressed is not a normal part of getting older. However, depression is a common illness in the older population. Doctors say that depression in the elderly increases the risk of heart disease and death from a heart attack. Depression also affects how the blood clots, so people with depression may develop dangerous blood clots after surgery.

Elderly people often have one or more chronic illnesses. Depression often occurs with illnesses such as Heart Disease, Stroke, Diabetes, Cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

The risk factors that make an elderly person more likely to suffer from depression include:

• Being female
• Living alone
• Having few friends
• Being a widow
• Fear of death
• Having chronic illness or dementia
• Having a recent death in the family
• Having a family history of depression

There are a number of ways to treat depression. Some are treated with medications and some are treated with therapy or both. If you are caring for an elderly that has signs of depression or has been diagnosed with depression, be positive and be patient. Encourage your clients to participate in their care. Doing activities they enjoy (if they are able) can go a long way in relieving depression.

Here are some common telltale signs:

• Does the senior lose checks, forget to make deposits and/or overdraw checking accounts?
• Have important bills not been paid?
• Are mail and paperwork piling up?
• Does the senior sometimes lose track of what has happened?
• Is the senior unable to produce the paperwork to file taxes?
• Has he or she purchased expensive, unnecessary financial products? Are the products scams that lead to complete losses?
• Has the senior given personal and financial resources away in exchange for guarantees of attention, love and care?
• Has there been loss or breakage of valuables?
• Has the person deferred trust to people who have take advantage of them with deceptive promises of security and benefits (including family, sales and services people, tenants, etc.)?

Talk early, talk often and plan ahead.  Start the discussion before it gets to this point. An elderly person who is perfectly capable of making his or her own decisions today may not recognize it when the time comes to “let go.” At that point, it’s up to the designee to act responsibly, moving forward and taking control at the appropriate time.

For more on this article go to www.gilbertguide.com

Sundown Syndrome is a condition that is experienced by the elderly, especially those who are suffering from dementia and memory loss. 

Which parts of the brain are affected

The condition affects people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or Senile Dementia, illnesses that occur as a result of degradation of certain areas of the brain.

Dehydration

It is noticeable  that dehydration can make the problem worse.  Ensuring that the Sundown Syndrome sufferer is amply hydrated is essential, presumably because it affects the chemistry and hydration of the brain. They need to be positively encouraged to drink fluids regularly during the day. Drinking Diet Soda, Tea and Coffee are harmful and need to be restricted  or avoided.

Ample Rest

Elderly people need ample rest.  It is known that sleep allows the body to repair itself  and refreshes the mind.  For SS sufferer it is noticeable that an hour’s good mid day sleep can reduce later confusion.  In addition, following a very strict bedtime regimen can help enormously to stave off confusion and hallucinations during the day.

Reducing stress levels

It is wise to keep stress levels down to the minimum wherever possible in order to reduce the severity and incidence of episodes.

Memory Loss

SS sufferers have various types of memory loss and it is important that Caregivers remember when they are conversing with the sufferer.

With good managment, the effects of Sundowners Syndrome can be minimised making life more enjoyable for all concerned.