Introduction
People with Alzheimer’s are vulnerable to abuse by people close to them. They may also fall prey to strangers who take advantage of their cognitive impairment.
Types of abuse
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Physical — causing physical pain or injury
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Emotional — verbal assaults, threats of abuse, harassment and intimidation
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Neglect — failure to provide necessities, including food, clothing, shelter or medical care
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Confinement — restraining or isolating the person
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Financial — the misuse or withholding of the person’s resources to his or her disadvantage or the advantage of someone else
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Sexual abuse — touching, fondling or any sexual activity when the person is unable to understand, unwilling to consent, or threatened or physically forced
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Willful deprivation — willfully denying the person medication, medical care, food, shelter, or physical assistance, and thereby exposing the individual with Alzheimer’s to the risk of physical, mental or emotional harm
American Medical News (1992), vol. 35, no. 46
Coping with stress
Caregivers — both family and professionals — are most often the abusers of older people. In many cases, stress and frustration may provoke unintentional violent feelings in caregivers. Family caregivers may feel isolated, depressed, and resentful toward their loved as the disease progresses and may become abusive without realizing it. Other issues, such as substance abuse, emotional problems and dependency, may also lead to mistreatment.
If you are having difficulty dealing with stress related to caregiving, it is important to get the support you need through a counselor, clergy or Association-sponsored support group. Find your local Alzheimer's Association.
Reporting abuse
To report an incident of elder abuse, call the Elder Care Locator at 1.800. 677.1116. For more information about elder abuse, visit the Elder Rights and Resources page of the Administration on Aging Web site.
