Signs of Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse
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Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is a pervasive and hidden social problem that has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. It is an abuse of power that affects the elderly, and it may take many forms. Elder abuse can occur in both domestic and institutional settings. The World Health Organization estimates that globally about 4% of older adults have experienced some form of elder mistreatment, defined as physical, psychological, or sexual harm plus neglect by a family member or caregiver (McDonald, 2017). If not addressed, elder abuse could result in damaging effects on the adult (Wallace, H., Roberson, C., & Globokar, J. L. (2019). This paper will focus on the case of Mamie to determine how she was being exposed to elder abuse.
One of the main signs of elder abuse is neglect. Mamie has been repeatedly exposed to neglect as Meldrick, the son and caregiver, participate in personal activities. On several occasions, Mamie has been spotted sitting in Meldrick’s car for long hours as she waits for Meldrick to drink in bars, play cards in churches or visit the OTB. Given Mamie’s age, she should not be sitting out in the car alone but should rather be resting in bed. Therefore, this indicates that she is being neglected, one of the major forms of elder abuse. The nature of abuse in the neutralization theory points out that abuse is likely to incase over time is an action is not taken (Wallace, Roberson & Globokar, 2019). Hence, Mamie needs immediate help before the situation worsens. According to the role accumulation theory, a family member with a conflicting role finds it challenging to manage their stress in life. Therefore, such an individual is not fit to take care of an elderly person because they are likely to expose them to abuse. The abuse is caused as a way for the family member to cope with their stress (Gholipour, Khalili & Abasian, 2020). Given that Meldrick is divorced and lives with his mother at the age of 59 years, it could mean that he is stressed. The only way for him to eliminate his stress is to be in the company of his mother. In the process, Meldrick neglects the mother instead of helping her cope with her health conditions and old age.
Mamie is experiencing abuse because her needs are not a priority to the people caring for her. Meldrick is focused on doing other things that make him happy in life. At the same time, he is also willing to care for his mother and does not want the mother to commit to a nursing home to get better medical care. Mental abuse plays a major role in family violence of abuse (Wallace, Roberson & Globokar, 2019). Considering that Meldrick has paranoid schizophrenia, a mental disorder, it renders him incapable of taking care of another person. His sister has agreed to let him care for Mamie is a sign of neglect and abuse towards the elderly. The sister knows that their mother would be in safe hands in a nursing home and decides that she would be safe living with Meldrick who, already has life issues. If individuals are not capable of caring for themselves, they will find it challenging to cater to other people. Caregivers need to have good mental heal...