The Neglect of the Elderly

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Elderly neglect is an overlooked problem in the society (McAlpine, 2008).When people get old, they may not think, see and hear as they used to. These weaknesses create room for immoral people to exploit them.

Therefore, elderly abuse by family members and other caregivers exists in frequencies and rates slightly lower than child abuse (Quinn and Tomita, 1997). This makes it one of the most common forms of domestic abuse.

Although governments and other agencies have taken great strides toward ending this ungodly act, more should be done to eradicate or lower cases involved. According to McAlpine (2008), spotting victims and providing timely interventions are some of the measures aimed at curbing elderly neglect.

Additionally, there should be mandatory training and recognition of caregivers and professionals working in this area (McAlpine, 2008). Stiffer penalties should also be imposed on caregivers who fail to meet their obligations. This essay gives an insight into the neglect of the elderly.

Latest statistics show that tens of thousands of elderly people face abuse by people trusted with their care (Helpguide.org, n.d.). Helpguide.org (n.d.) also reaffirms that more than half a million cases of elderly abuse reach the authorities yearly in the USA alone.

Surprisingly, millions of other cases go unreported. Elderly neglect makes up more than half of these cases (Helpguide.org, n.d.). In this context, elderly neglect is the failure of caregivers to discharge their responsibility appropriately (helpguide.com, n.d.).

This can be from the failure to provide the elderly with basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. In most cases, the affected elders are distressed. For that reason, psychological disturbances are the main symptoms of elderly neglect.

International agencies and governments have devised a number of initiatives to curb and create awareness on elderly neglect. For instance, there is a world elderly abuse awareness day celebrated annually. Therefore, it is true that majority of elderly people are not completely neglected.

However, more effort should be directed towards the few caregivers who still practice the vice. This can be done by a number of ways. Firstly, victims should be spotted early enough and timely interventions provided (McAlpine, 2008).

Secondly, mandatory training should be given to caregivers and professionals working in this area (McAlpine, 2008). Thirdly, caregivers and other people working with the elderly should be given proper recognition to boost their morale. Lastly, stiffer penalties must be imposed to deter people from abusing and neglecting these fragile people (McAlpine, 2008).

In conclusion, it is agreeable that people take no notice of elderly neglect in most cases. However, elderly neglect is a serious and deeply rooted issue in our society. Additionally, only child abuse occurs in rates and frequencies higher than elderly neglect (Quinn and Tomita, 1997).

This makes it one of the most recurrent forms of domestic abuse. Furthermore, governments and other agencies have taken bold steps towards ending this shameful act. Nonetheless, more should be done to minimize cases involved.

Spotting victims and providing timely interventions are some of the ways of restraining elderly neglect (McAlpine, 2008). McAlpine (2008) also adds that mandatory training and recognition of caregivers and professionals working with the elderly can alleviate the vice too.

Giving offenders stiffer penalties can also deter people from abusing the elderly. Eventually, these interventions will result into more years for the elderly on the earth.

References

Helpguide.com. (n.d.). Elder abuse and neglect: warning signs, risk factors, prevention, and help. Web.

McAlpine, C. H. (2008). Elder abuse and neglect. Oxford Journals, 37(2), 132-133. Web.

Quinn, M. J., & Tomita, S.K. (1997). Elder abuse and neglect: causes, diagnosis, and interventional strategies. Springer Publishing Company. Web.

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The Neglect of the Elderly

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