Elder abuse and neglect in the midst of COVID-19

Yunus, Raudah Mohd; Abdullah, Nik Nairan; Firdaus, Muhammad Abbas M.

doi:10.7189/jogh.11.03122

Cited by 17 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 15 publications

(14 reference statements)

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“…Future studies examining changes in elder abuse characteristics longitudinally and in concert with shifting social distancing patterns and virus transmission rates may further shed light on the complexities of the issue. Additionally, enhanced awareness (e.g., within healthcare organizations and amongst healthcare providers) of elder abuse risk factors such as social isolation, mental illness, and substance use that may change alongside evolving virus transmission rates and social distancing measures is critical [ 5 , 6 ]. This will ultimately help identify those older adults most at risk and put in place protective measures so that abusive situations can be avoided.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Limited interpersonal contact in order to prevent or slow virus transmission may lead to social isolation [ 5 ], a known risk factor for elder abuse [ 4 , 7 ]. The pandemic may also increase the burden that caregivers experience and perceive in caring for older adults [ 5 , 6 , 8 ]. Moreover, older adults may be at higher risk for financial instability due to changes in money earning opportunities [ 5 , 6 ], a factor linked to increased vulnerability to scams [ 9 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The pandemic may also increase the burden that caregivers experience and perceive in caring for older adults [ 5 , 6 , 8 ]. Moreover, older adults may be at higher risk for financial instability due to changes in money earning opportunities [ 5 , 6 ], a factor linked to increased vulnerability to scams [ 9 ]. All of these factors may become particularly salient when concern of virus transmission grows and becomes widespread.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Elder abuse in the COVID-19 era based on calls to the National Center on Elder Abuse resource line

et al. 2022

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Background The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated circumstances that place older adults at higher risk for abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Identifying characteristics of elder abuse during COVID-19 is critically important. This study characterized and compared elder abuse patterns across two time periods, a one-year period during the pandemic, and a corresponding one-year period prior to the start of the pandemic. Methods Contacts (including social media contacts, and email; all referred to as “calls” for expediency) made to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) resource line were examined for differences in types of reported elder abuse and characteristics of alleged perpetrators prior to the pandemic (Time 1; March 16, 2018 to March 15, 2019) and during the pandemic (Time 2; March 16, 2020 to March 15, 2021). Calls were examined for whether or not abuse was reported, the types of reported elder abuse, including financial, physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect, and characteristics of callers, victims, and alleged perpetrators. Chi-square tests of independence compared frequencies of elder abuse characteristics between time periods. Results In Time 1, 1401 calls were received, of which 795 calls (56.7%) described abuse. In Time 2, 1009 calls were received, of which 550 calls (54.5%) described abuse. The difference between time periods in frequency of abuse to non-abuse calls was not significant ($$p=0.28$$ p = 0.28 ). Time periods also did not significantly differ with regard to caller, victim, and perpetrator characteristics. Greater rates of physical abuse ($${\upchi }^{2}=23.52, p<0.001)$$ χ 2 = 23.52 , p < 0.001 ) and emotional abuse ($${\upchi }^{2}=7.12, p=0.008)$$ χ 2 = 7.12 , p = 0.008 ) were reported during Time 2 after adjustment for multiple comparisons. An increased frequency of multiple forms of abuse was also found in Time 2 compared to Time 1 ($${\upchi }^{2}=23.52, p<0.001)$$ χ 2 = 23.52 , p < 0.001 ) . Conclusions Findings suggest differences in specific elder abuse subtypes and frequency of co-occurrence between subtypes between time periods, pointing to a potential increase in the severity of elder abuse during COVID-19.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Elder abuse in the COVID-19 era based on calls to the National Center on Elder Abuse resource line

et al. 2022

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“…According to a UNPFA ( 2020 ) policy briefing, many elders need nutritional support and other types of practical assistance to cope with the challenges of the COVID‐19 pandemic. As in other parts of the world, ‘COVID‐19 countermeasures put older adults at higher risks of abuse and neglect through interactions with factors at multiple eco‐systemic levels: individual (older adults), caregiver, care‐giving, and structural’ (Yunus et al., 2021 , p. 1).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘ Hunger would kill us instead of COVID‐19 ’: Elders' response to the pandemic in Debre Markos Town, Ethiopia

Takele

Kotecho

Adamek

2022

Health Social Care Comm

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The COVID‐19 pandemic has posed unpredictable challenges globally. Older adults are among the population groups most vulnerable to COVID‐19. Poor urban elders in Ethiopia struggle to meet their basic needs due to waning traditional familial norms of providing care for elders as a result of urbanisation, poverty and migration. The aim of this study was to give voice to vulnerable elders during the COVID‐19 lockdown in Ethiopia and to reveal their sources of support. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected from 27 elders aged 60 and above in Debre Markos Town, Ethiopia via in‐depth interviews conducted from March–May 2020. To determine the nature of support provided for destitute elders, data were also gathered from two local officials. Narrative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four prominent themes were identified: ‘Hunger would kill us instead of COVID‐19,’ ‘Feeling hopeless and begging to die,’ ‘We prefer social support rather than food donations’ and ‘Gratitude.’ Elders considered the practice of social distancing to fight COVID‐19 as an unwelcome luxury for people whose livelihood depends on begging and petty trade. The physical distancing programme put elders in isolation, diminishing their capacity to maintain their livelihood. Due to the increasing disrespectful attitudes towards aged people, elders felt even less valued than usual. Interactions were described as undermining, embarrassing and abusive. A special emergency fund and organised social supports are needed to minimise the effect of the pandemic on vulnerable groups like destitute elders in Ethiopia. Moreover, an institutional welfare response is needed to ensure elders can live a dignified life.

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“…Several studies and commentaries have highlighted the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults’ health concerns, including increased risk of elder abuse and neglect [ 2 , 3 ] and social isolation leading to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive decline, and mental health problems [ 4 ]. The fear of COVID-19 infection has created emotional insecurity and anxiety disorders.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Financial vulnerability, health outcomes, and well-being of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

2022

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Elder abuse and neglect in the midst of COVID-19

Cited by 17 publications

References 15 publications

Elder abuse in the COVID-19 era based on calls to the National Center on Elder Abuse resource line

Elder abuse in the COVID-19 era based on calls to the National Center on Elder Abuse resource line

‘ Hunger would kill us instead of COVID‐19 ’: Elders' response to the pandemic in Debre Markos Town, Ethiopia

Financial vulnerability, health outcomes, and well-being of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

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