Elderly Abuse Analytical Essay by xxlilkittyxx

Elderly Abuse
A look at the subject of elderly abuse in Western society in general. and in Canada in particular.
# 103578 | 4,794 words | 18 sources | APA | 2008 | CA
Published on May 22, 2008 in Canadian Studies (Misc.) , Sociology (General) , Aging (General)


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Description:

This paper deals with the subject of elderly abuse and attempts to make the connection between elder abuse and family violence. The author explains that elder abuse is becoming more and more recognized as a form of family violence, and describes the different types of abuse, analyzing the connection between elder abuse and family violence. The author also uses the Ageism concept to explain elder abuse in broad context, to explain how society's distorted view on the elderly affect care-givers likeliness to abuse their elderly family members.

Outline:
Introduction
Purpose
Rationale
Key Concepts Related to Elder Abuse
What is Elderly Abuse?
Elder Abuse as a Form of Family Violence
Analysis:
The Situation Model
Social Exchange Theory
Ageism
Practice Interventions
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Elder abuse is a growing social concern in Western society, but it is not a new phenomenon. Mistreatment of older people both in the community and within institutions has been an enduring feature of our social history. Many older Canadians have suffered abuse and neglect at the hands of family members and caregivers for many years, without the support and resources they needed to leave their abusive situations. Recently, practitioners have been displaying a growing awareness and concern about elder abuse, putting a new perspective to this type of family violence (Pillemer & Wolf, 1986: 169). Like other types of domestic violence, elder abuse is extremely complex. It is a combination of many factors, from psychological to economic as well as the mental and physical conditions of the victim and the abuser. These factors do not usually operate in isolation. Instead, they tend to function as complex dimensions, interacting in ways uniquely dependent on the victim, perpetrator and the situation (Steinmetz, 1988: 23)
Moreover, research shows that estimates of abuse are difficult to make, although in Canada it is often said to affect at least four percent of seniors (Kinnon, 2001: 6).
"In addition, explanations about why abuse occurs under different theoretical frameworks make it difficult to pin-point the direct connection between the dynamics of elder abuse and family violence. Many elder abuse cases fit the paradigm of family violence; that is, acts of abuse or misuse of power that may result in harm to a family member (Pillemer & Suitor, 1992: 170). However, not all cases involve spouses or family members. Practitioners stress the need to understand the entire range of elder abuse and the underlying causes- including self-neglect, abuse and neglect within the family, and abuse that occurs in institutional settings (Prevention Pathways, 2004: 12)."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Anetzberger, G, J. (1987). The etiology of elder abuse by adult offspring. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Inc.
  • Bendik, M, F. (1992).Reaching the breaking point: Dangers of mistreatment in elder care-giving situations. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect. 4, 39-60.
  • Boyack, V (1997). Hidden fears: elder abuse, A handbook for front-line helpers working with seniors . New Jersey, New York: Sage.
  • Canadian human rights commission, (2001). Canadian human rights commission. Retrieved November 15, 2007, from Health of human rights in Canada: Annual review Web site: http://www.chrcccdp.ca/arra/RapportAnnuel2001/AR01RA/Annualreport-e.pdf
  • Dowd, J, J. (1975).Aging as social exchange: A preface to theory. Journal of Gerontology. 31, 18-45.

Cite this Analytical Essay:

APA Format

Elderly Abuse (2008, May 22) Retrieved September 25, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/elderly-abuse-103578/

MLA Format

"Elderly Abuse" 22 May 2008. Web. 25 September. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/elderly-abuse-103578/>

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