Anatomy of Elder Abuse in the Indian Context

Abstract

Elder abuse and neglect are violations of human rights and a significant cause of injury, illness, lost productivity, isolation and distress. Dependent elders are most vulnerable to physical, verbal, psycho-social, sexual, financial abuse and neglect. Elder abuse cuts across all economic levels and occurs in families, communities and institutions. Abuse may be intentional or unintentional and it is invisible in the Indian context. Assessment of abuse becomes difficult if the victim has cognitive impairments and is unable to describe the experience. It is also very important that care-providers become proficient in assessing the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect to ascertain whether the individual is in immediate danger. Guidelines for reporting abuse and strategies for interventions should be mapped out clearly to prevent injury and mortality among this vulnerable population. This chapter focuses on types of elder abuse, epidemiology of elder abuse, how to recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, and its impact on the physical, psycho-social and mental status of the victim. Strategies for screening, assessment and intervention are also discussed.