Abuse of the Elderly Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Abuse of the Elderly - Research Paper Example Abuse and neglect are too often visited upon older individuals who have lost some degree of their independence, and many areas do not have the programs necessary to effectively counter this threat on the community level. There is even abuse and neglect that goes on with healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and home environments, and this is perhaps the most insidious sort of abuse. In some cultures, the elderly are prized and honored above all other citizens and groups, but unfortunately this is not the case in the present culture. Elder abuse can happen in healthcare or nursing home situations, or it could happen at the hands of the elder’s own family and support system. In the US today, older individuals are more likely to be seen as being in the way of the young than as role models who should be exalted because of their aged wisdom. Presently, however, many individuals are treated harshly by healthcare facilities and even their own kin, making elder abuse a significant pro blem in society. Also, in terms of economic scales, older individuals who are of a lower socio-economic class are more likely to be abused or mistreated. These people may lack a stable caregiver. There are those who say the aged should be used as models who should be exalted because of their aged wisdom. Presently, however, many individuals are treated harshly by healthcare facilities and even, as the proposed report will show, their own families and support systems, making elder abuse a significant problem in society.