Individuals with dementia are at highly vulnerable to abuse by caregivers, family, and friends. This abuse can occur in many different areas. Many times a suffering individual lacks the capacity or ability to communicate abuse to others. Below you will find often areas often victimized.
Many times a person with dementia may reach a point where they are no longer able to handle their personal finances and the responsibilities then fall into other’s hands. In circumstances such as this, one may steal money and valuables from the victim. Many times it is close family, friends, and caregivers that commit illegal financial theft. Common signs include: missing valuables, missing or lack of money, or suspicious persons trying to influence financial decisions.
One suffering from dementia may also experience neglect. The act of neglect is considered to be intentional, when one is not provided with adequate shelter, food, personal hygiene, and sufficient supervision. Unmet medical and dental needs are also forms of neglect. Many times family and caregivers are responsible for the neglect of their loved ones. Common signs include: dirty clothes, no visible personal hygiene, weight loss, and unclean home. Physical, mental, and psychological abuse are other types of abuse one with dementia may face. …show more content…
These types of abuses may occur in-home and in care facilities, from family members, friends, or caregivers. Much of this abuse stems from lack of training and the inability to properly communicate with patients suffering from the mental and physical behaviors of this irreversible disease. Common signs include: anxiety, uncontrollable crying, fear, and bruising or swelling.
Lastly dementia individuals are at high risk for sexual abuse. Seventy percent of cases occur in a nursing home setting and thirty percent is from their caregiver. The abuse can include unwanted touching, rape, forced nudity, inappropriate photography, and sexual assault and battery. Common sign include: agitation and anxiety during personal care, reoccurring urinary tract infections, and withdrawal from social activities.
It is so sad to think of these vulnerable humans treated without dignity. It is so very important for any suspicions to be reported immediately. It is definitely sad that some older people are disrespected and are taken full advantage of by family members, caregivers, and friends. As they slowly deteriorate, they may lose their strength to stand up for themselves and fight for their rights and dignity. It is horrible that most of this abuse is taking place in the place they call home. I don't understand how people can live with themselves after committing these crimes. Most times they are financially abused by their own family members, appointed guardians, and other appointed positions. In their sick minds, they must feel they can violate these dementia suffers without them even consciously knowing. It is awful knowing that there are so many that are in later stages of disease and no longer have ability to communicate when physical, psychological, and sexual abuse is occurring. It is crucial that these vulnerable individual are being closely observed to recognize the many signs of abuse. For the caregivers that are feeling overwhelmed, they need to take proper steps in learning the correct and healthy ways to handle stress and the frustrations that are often involved in dealing with dementia. They should attend support groups, use respite care to take time
Many times a person with dementia may reach a point where they are no longer able to handle their personal finances and the responsibilities then fall into other’s hands. In circumstances such as this, one may steal money and valuables from the victim. Many times it is close family, friends, and caregivers that commit illegal financial theft. Common signs include: missing valuables, missing or lack of money, or suspicious persons trying to influence financial decisions.
One suffering from dementia may also experience neglect. The act of neglect is considered to be intentional, when one is not provided with adequate shelter, food, personal hygiene, and sufficient supervision. Unmet medical and dental needs are also forms of neglect. Many times family and caregivers are responsible for the neglect of their loved ones. Common signs include: dirty clothes, no visible personal hygiene, weight loss, and unclean home. Physical, mental, and psychological abuse are other types of abuse one with dementia may face. …show more content…
These types of abuses may occur in-home and in care facilities, from family members, friends, or caregivers. Much of this abuse stems from lack of training and the inability to properly communicate with patients suffering from the mental and physical behaviors of this irreversible disease. Common signs include: anxiety, uncontrollable crying, fear, and bruising or swelling.
Lastly dementia individuals are at high risk for sexual abuse. Seventy percent of cases occur in a nursing home setting and thirty percent is from their caregiver. The abuse can include unwanted touching, rape, forced nudity, inappropriate photography, and sexual assault and battery. Common sign include: agitation and anxiety during personal care, reoccurring urinary tract infections, and withdrawal from social activities.
It is so sad to think of these vulnerable humans treated without dignity. It is so very important for any suspicions to be reported immediately. It is definitely sad that some older people are disrespected and are taken full advantage of by family members, caregivers, and friends. As they slowly deteriorate, they may lose their strength to stand up for themselves and fight for their rights and dignity. It is horrible that most of this abuse is taking place in the place they call home. I don't understand how people can live with themselves after committing these crimes. Most times they are financially abused by their own family members, appointed guardians, and other appointed positions. In their sick minds, they must feel they can violate these dementia suffers without them even consciously knowing. It is awful knowing that there are so many that are in later stages of disease and no longer have ability to communicate when physical, psychological, and sexual abuse is occurring. It is crucial that these vulnerable individual are being closely observed to recognize the many signs of abuse. For the caregivers that are feeling overwhelmed, they need to take proper steps in learning the correct and healthy ways to handle stress and the frustrations that are often involved in dealing with dementia. They should attend support groups, use respite care to take time