Elder abuse refers to any action or inaction that puts the safety or well-being of an elderly person at risk. The abuse is often carried out by a family member or caregiver whom the victim trusts.

The reasons for elder abuse are often complex and can include caregiver stress or a history of strained relationships within the family.

Who is At Risk of Becoming a Victim of Elder Abuse

An elderly person who is:

• Vulnerable (due to physical/mental/cognitive impairment)
• Physically and/or financially dependent on a caregiver
• Socially isolated
• Easily taken advantage of (e.g. trusting of strangers and giving away money or possessions when asked)

Forms of Elder Abuse

Elder adult abuse occurs when the elderly experiences:

• Physical violence
• Emotional and psychological abuse
• Sexual violence
• Conduct or behaviour that controls or dominates the elderly and causes the elderly to fear for his/her safety or well-being
• Conduct or behaviour that unreasonably deprives, or threatens to unreasonably deprive, the elderly of freedom of movement or well-being

Effects of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can result in serious and permanent physical and psychological damage, and even death.

Other effects may include:

• Problems sleeping
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Lack of trust in others
• Feelings of abandonment
• Anger
• Worsening mental and physical health
• Drug and/or alcohol abuse as a way of coping
• Embarrassment

Witnessing abuse of the elderly in the family can cause post-traumatic stress in children or result in violent behaviour being normalised and perpetuated in the future.

Why Elder Abuse Victims May Not Report the Abuse

Victims of elder abuse may not report the violence for any of the following reasons:

• As the perpetrator is often a family member, the elderly may worry about their family’s privacy or that legal action might be taken against the perpetrator
• They may fear:
  • Rejection and disruption to their lives
  • Retaliation
  • Embarrassment
  • Shame
• They may feel that they deserve the abuse and accept it
• For elderly with cognitive impairments or mental health conditions, they may not be aware that they are being abused and/or may not be able to report the abuse
• They may be financially or emotionally dependent on the perpetrator, and therefore be unwilling to leave the perpetrator or report the abuse

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) takes place on 15 June every year and has been recognised by the United Nations General Assembly since 2011.

Recognising Signs of Caregiver Stress

As our population ages, caregivers to seniors will play an increasingly important role. While caring for elderly loved ones can be enriching, it is also physically and emotionally demanding. If left unmanaged, prolonged caregiver stress can affect well-being and in some cases, be a contributing factor to elder abuse.

Stress can worsen when caregivers have little insight into their role, deny the elderly person's condition, or hold unrealistic expectations. Some may even blame them for the demands of caregiving. Under such stress, caregivers may resort to neglect or rough handling, both of which constitute abuse and cannot be justified.

Caregivers who feel stressed should seek support early. Warning signs include:

• Persistent exhaustion or trouble sleeping;
• Becoming unusually irritable or argumentative; or
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities

These signs should not be ignored. Caregivers are encouraged to seek support early from professionals such as doctors, counsellors, psychologists, or social workers, and involve the elderly in the communication process.

MSF works with social service agencies (SSAs) and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) to assess, refer and support elderly individuals and their families. Services include counselling, community care services and healthcare support. AIC also supports caregivers of the elderly by connecting caregivers to resources to help caregivers care for themselves and their loved ones.

For more information on the types of elder abuse and where to seek help, please download and share the infographic below:

• Infographic on Elder Abuse: English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil

Break The Silence