We had a elder brought by his son, with behavioural issues and sleep disturbances. The father's had black eyes, swelling below them. On enquiring further - the son did accept losing temper as the patient would just not follow instruction, interrupt his work from home and disturb sleep at night too. Out of frustration he had hit him. He said he didn't want to do it, but just couldn't control it at times. This is a recurrent theme - despite wanting to take care, look after the elders, physical elder abuse is rampant in many parts of the society, even in India - where elders are supposedly 'respected' more.

Elder abuse is an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult. Physical abuse is non-accidental use of force against an elderly person that results in physical pain, injury, or impairment. Such abuse includes not only physical assaults such as hitting or shoving but the inappropriate use of drugs, restraints, or confinement.

Risk factors for abuse include caregiver’s inability to manage stress, depression in the caregiver, lack of support from other potential caregivers, the caregiver’s perception that taking care of the elder is burdensome and without emotional reward, substance abuse by the caregiver and the intensity of the elderly person’s illness or dementia, amongst others.

What can you do about it - Being aware of it and steps available to deal with it.

a. Take immediate steps to relieve stress and burnout.

b. Request help from friends and family

c. Learn anger management techniques

d. Take care of yourself.

"Let us take a pledge to give our elders a life of dignity and respect"

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