It is alarming but true -- each year thousands of elderly in the US are being abused. Be it at home, at relatives’ places or even at facilities meant to take care of them. While elders are crippled by such conditions like illnesses and dependence, caregivers are often stressed out due to the specialized needs of the elderly.

Most instances of elderly abuse by caregivers stem from one or more of the following factors -- failure to handle the stress associated with taking care of the elderly, depression, absence of support from other caregivers, the perception that the job is thankless and comes with no emotional compensation, and substance abuse. Being exposed to this high level of stress on a regular basis often leads to impatience and frustration, and this results in what qualifies as abuse of the elderly. This problem is not only specific to only professional caregivers; even children, friends or relatives looking after an elder family member face the same situation.

Initially the experience of being able to look after a love one seems very satisfying, but as the elder’s health starts deteriorating, taking care of that person becomes more and more demanding. This in turn takes its toll on the caregiver and the resultant situation is not pleasant for either the elderly or the caregiver.

When it comes to caregivers at a facility, often it so happens that they get too stressed out by the demands of taking care of the elderly, and unintentionally they may lash out, neglect or resort to some form of abuse.

More Articles :

• Elderly Abuse History
• Elderly Abuse Laws
• Elderly Abuse Psychology
• Elderly Abuse Stats
• Medication Abuse In The Elderly