Elder abuse and neglect in disasters: Types, prevalence and research gaps

A Comparison of pharmacologic and mechanical prophylaxis on the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in spinal cord injury

“…It is estimated that in the next 40 years, the elderly population will have doubled; and the elderly will account for 22 percent of the world's population by 2050 (1). At the same time, the average annual incidence of natural disasters has increased from about 125 in the early 1980s to 500 in early 2006 (2). About 150 major natural disasters affected millions of people worldwide in 2015 (3).…”

“…Rather, they are caused by the disaster. These problems include different types of injuries (sprain or strains, fractures, lacerations), falling, trauma, dehydration, dangerous changes in blood pressure, physical impairment, lack of mobility, severe physical fatigue, headache, and stomachache (2,15,22,32,33,40,41,43,46,49). Some studies reported the possibility of falling or injuries after evacuation (2,22,32,33,46,49).…”

“…This theme also includes the need for assistance in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), which are more complex activities requiring a higher level of autonomy and ability to negotiate the environment by shopping, repairing damaged roofs, and managing money after disasters (2,7,32,34,38,51). Various forms of assistance in the activities of daily living have been mentioned in the literature such as the delivery of groceries to older persons who have moved into new areas, sending taxi for helping older adults in shopping or the other outdoor activities, such as help in negotiating for repairing or rebuilding their homes, selling, and buying (34).…”

“…Some common instances of abuse include choking, slapping, pinching, and kicking (2,8,29,31,33,37,38). Some studies mentioned that mistreatment might not be reported in disasters.…”

“…Some studies mentioned that mistreatment might not be reported in disasters. Four studies showed that the most prominent risk factor for mistreatment after disasters is a dependency on someone else in carrying out ADL (2,33,34,37). Furthermore, some factors such as being older, belonging to poor socioeconomic status, and having serious health problems could increase the risk of mistreatment with the older adults following disasters (33).…”