Elderly abuse is referred to as the deliberate, repeated act or lack thereof by a caregiver in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust. The problem has become increasingly rampant, and it is related with higher numbers of people being admitted in hospital. In their study of elder abuse, Wang et al. (2015) affirm that up to 10% of elderly adults report undergoing some form of abuse. Elderly abuse manifests itself in different ways. There is neglect, which infers to failing or refusing to provide an older adult with the necessary care needed for sustenance. It can be in the form of refusing to provide food, clothing, medication, or hygiene. In addition, there is physical abuse in which bodily harm is inflicted upon the elderly. Based on the assessment of  Pillemer et al. (2016), physical abuse is the most common type of mistreatment. Specific societal issues form barriers to abolishing elderly abuse, thereby making abuse against the elderly prevail without intervention. The devaluation and lack of respect for the elderly is a good factor that has been erased for proper upbringing. Furthermore, shame and embarrassment often cause elderly victims of abuse to stay silent about their travails. Liu et al. (2017) affirm that physical abuse causes mental anguish to the elderly who in turn, stay quiet about the problem. Neglect and physical abuse are the most basic forms of elderly abuse, which require urgent attention. According to Yon et al. (2018) the prevalence of elderly abuse is most prevalent in institutions with physical abuse, neglect, and psychological forms of abuse taking the forefront. Elderly abuse arises from situations where stress becomes too much for caregivers. In this case, they should be accorded significant relief from the task through regular leaves or breaks. Furthermore, counseling should be carried out to address the stress that caregivers are exposed to. When the work becomes overwhelming, the caregivers should be listened and counseled to prevent pent up issues from being taken out on the elderly. professor  question: Please talk more about physical and neglect.

Physical abuse and neglect are two of the most common forms of elder abuse, and they require urgent attention in order to protect the well-being of elderly individuals. Physical abuse refers to the intentional use of physical force that results in bodily harm, pain, or impairment. This can include actions such as hitting, slapping, pushing, or restraining the elderly person in a way that causes injury. Physical abuse is a serious violation of the elderly person’s rights and can have severe consequences for their physical and mental health.

Research has shown that physical abuse is the most prevalent form of elder mistreatment. A study conducted by Pillemer et al. (2016) found that approximately 7.6% of the elderly population experienced physical abuse. The consequences of physical abuse can be devastating, resulting in injuries such as fractures, bruises, and lacerations. In some cases, physical abuse can even lead to disability or death.

Neglect, on the other hand, refers to the failure or refusal to provide an older adult with the necessary care needed for their well-being. This can include not providing adequate food, clothing, medication, or hygiene. Neglect can occur in different settings, including in the home or in institutional care settings. It is often a result of caregiver’s inability or unwillingness to fulfill their responsibilities, which can be due to various factors such as stress, lack of resources, or caregiver burnout.

Neglect is a pervasive issue in elder abuse, and it can have detrimental effects on the overall health and well-being of the elderly person. The lack of proper care can lead to malnutrition, infections, untreated medical conditions, and deterioration of physical and mental health. Neglect can also contribute to the development of pressure sores, which are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among the elderly population.

The prevalence of neglect in institutions is particularly concerning. According to Yon et al. (2018), neglect is the most common form of mistreatment in institutional settings, with approximately 40% of elder abuse cases involving neglect. In these settings, the lack of resources, understaffing, and inadequate training can contribute to neglectful behaviors by caregivers. This highlights the need for improved policies and regulations to protect elderly individuals in institutional care.

Addressing physical abuse and neglect requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, there is a need for increased awareness and education about elder abuse among both the general public and healthcare professionals, as early identification and reporting are crucial in preventing further harm. Training programs should be implemented to educate caregivers on proper caregiving techniques and the importance of respecting the autonomy and rights of the elderly.

Furthermore, interventions should focus on providing support and resources to caregivers to prevent burnout and alleviate stress. This can include respite care services, where caregivers can have regular breaks to rest and recharge. Counseling and support groups should also be available to help caregivers cope with the challenges of caring for an elderly person.

In conclusion, physical abuse and neglect are serious forms of elder abuse that require urgent attention. Elderly individuals who experience physical abuse or neglect are at risk of physical and mental harm, and the consequences can be severe. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes increased awareness, education, support for caregivers, and the implementation of proper policies and regulations to protect the rights and well-being of elderly individuals.