Aging In Place

Behind Closed Doors Elderly Care Exposed: Elder Abuse and Neglect

Learn about the different types and impacts of elder abuse and neglect and how to prevent and address it. Share your stories and ask questions to gain support and knowledge from others in similar caregiving situations.

Diane Carbo

Dec 2, 2022 • 25 min read

Elder Abuse and Neglect

Elder abuse and neglect are harsh realities that cannot be ignored. The recent Panorama documentary by the BBC, "Behind Closed Doors: Elderly Care Exposed," sheds light on these distressing acts that often occur in caregiving situations. Brace yourself, for this is not a film for the faint-hearted.

The reviews for this documentary span a spectrum from disbelief that such atrocities could take place to arguments that it should never have been aired on television. As a registered nurse with experience in the long-term care industry, I firmly believe that it is high time someone drew attention to this epidemic of elder abuse.

While this documentary was filmed in the UK, it's crucial to understand that these incidents could happen in any home or nursing facility worldwide. This is a topic that must be openly discussed and not hidden behind closed doors. It's an ugly truth, but a necessary one.

Panorama and the BBC deserve commendation for bravely tackling such a sensitive and challenging subject in "Behind Closed Doors: Elderly Care Exposed."

Panorama and the BBC deserve commendation for bravely tackling such a sensitive and challenging subject in Behind Closed Doors, Elderly Care Exposed

Elder abuse and neglect manifest in various forms, including physical, mental, emotional, sexual, financial exploitation, neglect, and abandonment. Numerous individuals exploit vulnerable elders in different ways.

Society fails when we turn a blind eye to this issue. While there will always be people who harm others, we have a moral obligation to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

The extent of elder abuse and neglect is alarming. Victims of elder abuse have a 300% higher risk of death compared to those who are not abused, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse Administration on Aging. These statistics, however, are likely skewed because this problem is vastly underreported. Reported crimes are estimated to have caused a financial loss to elderly victims of over $2.9 million in 2009 alone.

Furthermore, the medical costs resulting from elder abuse and neglect add an additional burden, totaling an astounding $5 billion annually in medical expenditures.

Addressing elder abuse and neglect is far from straightforward. While there is legislation in place meant to protect the elderly, these laws are worthless if we are not fully aware of them or lack the means to enforce them.

The fight against elder abuse and neglect requires collective awareness, education, and a relentless commitment to safeguarding the well-being and dignity of our elders. It is a solemn duty we must all share to ensure that these vulnerable individuals receive the care and respect they deserve.

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Have a story about elder abuse in your family? Please share here? Help others realize that they are not alone. Submit Your Caregiver Story

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