Elder Abuse in the Time of COVID-19—Increased Risks for Older Adults and Their Caregivers

Abstract

S ince the first case of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 illness was diagnosed in the United States on January 20, 2020, 1 a steady stream of new policy measures have been enacted to protect the public from this growing pandemic. At the forefront of these efforts have been measures to limit interpersonal contact to prevent transmission of the virus. Social distancing, school closures, and the shuttering of nonessential businesses have already led to significant personal, social, and economic hardship. While it has been well publicized that older adults are at highest risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19, 2 they may also be at high risk for negative consequences from the measures being enacted to protect them from the viral threat. Healthcare providers should be aware that their older patients are now particularly vulnerable to social isolation, financial hardship, difficulties accessing needed care and supplies, and anxiety about

COVID-19 Pandemic: The Lived Experiences of Older Adults in Aged Care Homes

“…The unbuffered time together in lockdown could lead to circumstances leading to higher potentials of abuse and older adults may not be able to seek help (Han & Mosqueda, 2020; Nicola et al, 2020). With the pandemic restricting visitors, older adults are also susceptible to potential psychological stress worrying about financial hardships as some participants are dependent on their family for financial support and to monitor the quality of care (Makaroun et al, 2020).…”

“…Participants expressed feeling trapped, confined and vulnerable; all of which are depicted with negative feelings because of the measures being enacted to protect them from COVID-19 (Makaroun et al, 2020). The experience described here indicates that older adults may view this COVID-19 pandemic as potentially ‘the end’.…”

“…Even though the factors associated with the participants' decision of moving into aged care are not discussed, the result demonstrates that the participants have thought a lot about future changes and shared similar sentiments with their families; being in the final stage of their life. Aged care home providers should be mindful that older adults are particularly vulnerable as a consequence of being socially isolated, financial hardship, complications in acquiring the needed care and supplies and anxiety about avoiding COVID-19 (Makaroun et al, 2020).…”

Changes in Elder Abuse Risk Factors Reported by Caregivers of Older Adults during the COVID‐19 Pandemic

“…While non-caregivers appear to be experiencing similar patterns, the impact of these changes may be magnified when experienced by caregivers of older adults, as pandemic influenced outcomes may affect their care recipient as well through increased risk of abusive behavior. 4 We found that younger caregivers, who may be more likely to be working jobs concurrently with caregiving responsibilities, are more likely to be experiencing financial strain due to the pandemic. The study population had limited racial diversity; results may under-estimate COVID-19 impacts on caregivers from racial and ethnic minority populations.…”

“…3 Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, fear of infection, social distancing, job loss, and reduced health and social services for seniors (e.g., Meals-on-Wheels, Adult Day Health programs) may impact caregivers in ways that increase the risk of elder abuse. 4,5 This study aimed to examine self-reported changes in caregiver-related risk factors for elder abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”