Health Auxiliary

There are a variety of ways that culture and ethnicity affect the care of elders within minority families and communities. Traditions, belief systems, and values can differ significantly among diverse groups of cultures. Understanding, or at least considering, these differences is vital in the awareness and prevention of elder abuse.

Elder abuse can take many forms including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Neglect and abandonment are additional types of elder abuse. Misusing or stealing a senior’s property or money is a type of abuse that many individuals aren’t aware of. It isn’t acceptable even for family members or caregivers to take advantage of elders who are vulnerable due to social isolation or cognitive impairments such as dementia.

Elders play different roles in minority families and communities. There are also differences among cultures in who is responsible for providing care and making decisions regarding the care of elders within the family. Some minority groups may have fears or distrust related to law enforcement or social service organizations. This can make interventions difficult and tense. It’s vital to determine the organizations and people within the community who have been deemed trustworthy by minority groups. These clergy members or medical doctors may be needed to act as intermediaries or as teams of personal emergency response system in situations related to elder abuse.

Communication and language barriers can be a factor related to assisting and assessing those involved or at risk for elder abuse. It’s critical that education about the abuse of the elderly is available to all groups within our communities. Those advocating for the prevention of elder abuse need to find out what magazines, newspapers, and other press alternative cultures turn to for reliable information and news. Public awareness messages concerning elder abuse should be aimed at these media outlets for educational purposes.

Some cultures have a tradition of keeping elderly family members at home rather than placing them in long-term care facilities. Minority groups facing socioeconomic challenges and additional stresses may find that caring for elders at home is a situation that breeds potential for abuse or neglect. Most cultures feel that “family business” should be kept private to some degree. This makes the likelihood of reaching out to the community for support doubtful. Other family members may be hesitant to report suspected abuse situations due to strong family ties and loyalties. All of these traditions sadly affect the prevention of elder abuse.

It’s critical that therapists, physicians, home health care employers, and other professionals who provide care for the elderly understand the implications of how culture affects the care of seniors. The Senate Special Committee on Aging has estimated that as many as 5 million elders may be victims of some form of abuse annually. This is an issue that’s deserving of attention and work toward prevention. Everyone has a right to live without the fear of abuse. Our elders are no exception.