ELDER ABUSE

Why do people abuse the elderly?

There are many different reasons. Sometimes it happens because the family responsible for looking after their aging parent, is already under a lot of stress. The additional responsibility may just be too much to handle and violence can occur. Alcohol, past abuses and getting even for past wrongs are some of the many reasons given for abuse.


Why don’t the elderly call the police?

Again there are many reasons. I’ll list just some of them:

they may be under the total control of the abuser they think they will be put in an institution if they complain they are afraid of what the abuser will do to them if they complain they depend on the abuser for all their needs they may be ashamed to tell anyone their own children are abusing them

What can you do to help?

Basically you can talk to someone you know is abused and be a good listener. This means: keep it confidential, don’t threaten them, don’t try and rescue them but do get them information so they can make their own decisions, and help them when they are ready.


Other Resource Links

National Centre on Elder Abuse

Action on Elder Abuse