What do Georgia residents know about elder abuse? For those who are familiar with previous posts here, most know that one of the main sources of elder abuse is nursing home neglect and abuse. Elderly Georgia residents who suffer abuse or neglect in this type of situation may face injury, illness or other complications from active, physical abuse or acts of negligence like medication errors. But elder abuse is a manifestation of some larger societal issues.
For starters, what are the cultural influences that allow elder abuse to occur? Is our society changing in such a way that violence or indifference in general is becoming more commonplace? Is the increase in the number of elderly Americans simply making it more likely for elder abuse or neglect to occur because of sheer numbers? Understanding what parts of our culture are making elder abuse rise to the forefront as an important societal issues is crucial.
Another important issue is to try to understand the very people who are the victims of elder abuse. Georgia residents need to understand that an elderly person’s mental capacity may be affected by illness or injuries suffered due to advanced age. What many people may attribute to “getting up there in years” may actually be a mental health condition that needs to be addressed.
Ultimately, it may come down to an understanding that while a person may be of an advanced age, that person still needs to be treated with dignity and respect. When people ignore this concept – nursing home staff members, in particular – elderly Georgia residents may suffer as a result.
Source: preventelderabuse.org, “Critical Issues in Elder Abuse Section,” Accessed July 10, 2016