Abuse of Older Adults

It refers to situations or actions where the rights and interests of Older Adults are violated due to inappropriate interactions from caregivers in their daily lives, causing some hindrance to their life, mental and physical health, or living conditions.
Living with dignity is something that everyone desires, regardless of whether they need care or not. However, in reality, the issue of "Elder Abuse" arises when family members or relatives violate the human rights of Older Adults.

Examples of Inappropriate Responses to Older Adults

What we do thinking it's for the Older Adults, even if we intend to care for them, can sometimes inflict deep wounds on their physical and mental well-being. There are also times when we may unknowingly commit abuse.

Abuse of Older Adults is classified into the following five categories.

1. Physical Abuse

• As I said, I can't help but lash out or yell sometimes.
• To make them understand good and bad, hit them.
• Due to dementia, I am trying to prevent wandering by not leaving the room, etc.

2. Psychological Abuse

• Because they do not listen, I do not speak.
• Ignoring Older Adults who are trying to talk
• Treating like a child, yelling, cursing, speaking ill
• Humiliating Older Adults for failures such as incontinence, etc.

3. Economic Abuse

• Due to financial difficulties, we are limiting trips to the hospital.
• Do not give or allow the use of the amount necessary for daily life
• Use the person's pension, savings, etc. against the person's will or interest
• Manage pension books and savings account passbooks, and use them without permission, etc.

4. Neglect (Abandonment of care and supervision)

• It is difficult to provide care and assistance, so I will not provide care.
• Do not provide sufficient food and water
• Leaving garbage indoors, allowing people to live in poor conditions and living environments
• Unreasonably restricting or preventing the use of necessary nursing and medical services for the individual, etc.

5. Sexual Abuse

• Punish by leaving the lower body exposed
• Changing diapers in public, etc.

Self-Neglect

Recently, there are many Older Adults who are in a state of self-neglect, compromising their own life, health, and living conditions. The city has decided to take measures similar to those for abuse.

Elder Abuse Prevention Act

In April 2006, the "Act on the Prevention of Elder Abuse and Support for Caregivers of Older Adults (hereinafter referred to as the Elder Abuse Prevention Act)" was enacted.

Basic Perspectives on the Elder Abuse Prevention Act

Prioritize the Protection of Older Adults

In responding to elder abuse, the protection of the life and dignity of Older Adults is the top priority.
Regardless of whether the abusive behavior is intentional, if the rights of Older Adults are being violated, it is considered abuse.

Support for Older Adults and Their Families

When abuse occurs, it is easy to view the abuser as the perpetrator, but it is often the case that the abuser themselves needs support.
It is important to consider where the factors of abuse lie and what issues the family is facing, and to support both the Older Adults and the abuser.