Cases of Elder Abuse and Neglect on the Rise since COVID-19

The mishandling of seniors is not a new spectacle; however, it has become more rampant as the effects of the pandemic progress. More people ought to recognize elder abuse as a health crisis. Healthcare professionals working in hospital settings should be more sensitive to the abuse and neglect that takes place within institutions of health. 

By identifying signs and indicators of neglect among elderly patients, caregivers can adequately respond and for many victims who choose to can then sue for nursing home abuse.

In 2004, The World Health Organization described elder abuse as “any action or lack of action by a person in a position of trust which causes harm to an older person.” Anyone who has an elderly person under their care can be an abuser, that includes a caregiver, health worker, or family member. 

How Has COVID-19 Affected Elderly Treatment?

1. Crisis Stricken Countries Receive More Reports of Abuse

Police in Nepal reported an increase in calls about elder abuse after the COVID-19 emergence. From less than ten to almost fifty-two reports in only a 3-month duration after the pandemic struck.

Similar to Nepal, Congo has repeated an increase in elder abuse-related cases; this is only expected to keep rising as living situations get tougher.

2. Elders Facing Kidnapping and Robberies

Because of the economic challenges everyone is facing, seniors have become an easier target for the unemployed youth. The rate of economic abuse of seniors has also grown rampant. 

Elders are being assaulted and robbed of their pension, as per reports from Mauritius. Similarly, in many other countries, senior landowners are kidnapped and assaulted for money. Because of their vulnerability, senior citizens suffer the most.

3. Senior Victims of COVID-19 Neglected

Seniors are more susceptible to the coronavirus than the youthful; this has caused a lot of discrimination towards seniors. Reports suggest some countries have denied treatment to seniors but offer it to the youth as they have better chances of surviving. Such cases have been witnessed in Bangladesh’s Cox Bazaar refugee camp.

4. Seniors Subjected to Domestic Violence

Senior citizens are not spared from the immense amount of stress we all face, especially those whose sources of income have been stagnated by the virus or lockdowns. Seniors living in low-income countries are at a greater disadvantage. 

This kind of pressure has caused tension among couples who are cooped up together most of the time, which sometimes leads to domestic violence. 65-year-old Mary from Congo attests to how situations caused by COVID-19 increased conflicts with her partner, which escalated to abuse.

5. Having Nowhere to Seek Consolation Leads to Emotional Suffering

Before the virus, people could move freely and report abuse was much easier. Self-isolation has provided opportunities for abusers to go without consequences, as they are less likely to be exposed. 

This contributes to the emotional abuse seniors are dealing with. Some have no means of reporting abuse, while others choose not to speak up out of fear of stigmatization.

Be Proactive and Eliminating the Problem

Knowing response policies to elder abuse is a great tool to have; you’ll have the means and knowledge to help victims in your community or workplace. 

Healthcare providers are in better positions to help since they are trained in taking care of patients. Governments should provide support to communities to minimize the rate of elder abuse and provide platforms for counseling on how to seek legal support and recovery after abuse.