Today I want to highlight a type of abuse that people sometimes overlook – the abuse of elderly people.
Every year, an estimated 2.1 million elderly Americans suffer from physical abuse, psychological abuse, or other forms of abuse and neglect. Experts estimate that only 1 in 6 incidences of elder abuse get reported.
No matter their age, color, size, or gender, every human deserves basic respect and deserves to live a life free from abuse.
Collectively, we can help fight elder abuse by raising awareness and changing policies. Individually, we can take care of the elderly people closest to us and treat them with respect. For example, we can avoid sending our parents or grandparents to convalescent homes. Additionally, we can volunteer at hospitals and such to spend time with elderly people. Make sure to report any suspected incidences of abuse.
What do you think?
Tuesday, June 26th 2007 at 10:03 am
Anger Management for Adult Caregivers
According to the U.S. Department of Human Services more than 50 million people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year.
The typical family caregiver is a 46-year-old woman caring for her widowed mother who does not live with her. She is married and employed. Approximately 60% of family caregivers are women.
Stress of family caregiving for persons with dementia or Alzheimer’s has been shown to impact a person’s immune system for up to three years after their caregiving ends thus increasing their chances of developing a chronic illness themselves.
The inability to manage stress has a direct correlation to the ability to handle extreme emotions that can lead to anger.
Family caregivers who provide care 36 or more hours weekly are more likely than non-caregivers to experience symptoms of depression, anxiety and anger. For spouses the rate is six times higher; for those caring for a parent the rate is twice as high.
Financial strains also exist as social security benefits, medicaid, medicare and medi-cal may not cover mounting hospice costs.
Many caregivers experience guilt as they may resent caring for their senior loved ones. This guilt is often expressed as irritability, isolation and often aggression.
Effective communication, self-awareness and stress management are productive tools for preventing anger outbursts.
Anger Management classes are often used as a respite for weary caregivers.
http://www.daybreakservices.com