Speech
Elder abuse is a social injustice issue that needs to be taken more seriously in the United States. Increased public awareness needs to be addressed by the government and organizations in order to help people learn about the issue and actively participate in solutions.
In many countries, elders are being deprived of their respect, dignity, and basic human rights. This is a significant problem in the United States. Elders with disabilities are deprived of basic human rights, for they are neglected and taken advantage of. An elderly woman did not receive proper care and was deceived by her caregiver. She was first convinced that she did not have the ability to take care of her finances, so she gave the power of attorney to the caregiver. Then, the caregiver took away her right to meet people other than her physician and even changed her will after the old woman died. (Aycinena, n.d.) The caregiver in the above case violated the elderly woman’s basic human rights. However, the case is just one of many examples of elder abuse committed in the United States. It is also significant that the old woman had no opportunity to report the abuse to others, showing the possibility that there are many unreported cases. Therefore, it is important to set up laws and regulations to solve the problem immediately. In United States, the issue is concealed, yet the number of cases is increasing. In 2010, there were around 6 million cases of elder abuse, consisting of 9.5% of the elder population. It is estimated that the number of cases is likely to grow along with the increasing population of the elderly. (Elder Abuse Statistics, n.d.) It is foreseeable that the issue is likely to become more serious in the community, so it is important for the government to create different solutions in response to the problem. Also, the issue should be brought to the society’s attention so that people are aware of the seriousness of the issue. In some cultures, their values and beliefs determine their actions and attitudes towards elders. For examples, some “cultures do not honor the basic right of women, and older women in these cultures” (“Elder Abuse and Neglect: In Search of Solutions.” n.d.) do not think they are being abused, nor does the society consider the treatment of the elderly as abuse. In India, the society does not consider the issue a problem worth tracking, because many families are in the same situation. The younger generation goes out to earn money, leaving no one to take care of the elderly. (Kaindl, 2009) Regardless of culture, elder abuse is a public issue since it puts pressure on the health care system. The elderly who suffer from physical, sexual, or even emotional abuse, may have to be hospitalized which is paid by tax payers. If the problem is more effectively addressed, then taxes can be used to address other serious issues. (Garcia, 1993) Although elder abuse is not always a social injustice issue in every culture, as the definition of it differs, public awareness on the issue should still be raised since it is a public health issue. In United States, elder abuse is a social injustice issue that is becoming more serious, yet ironically society is least concerned about the issue. People should be educated on the issue in order to prevent its expansion.
Many people around us will grow old one day, even our loved ones, and we want them to be able to live in peace and happiness instead of pain and depression. As people grow old, they become potential elder abuse victims. It could be celebrities, family members, or even us in the future. The legendary actor Mickey Rooney accused his stepson of abusing him financially and violating his human rights. His access to mail was blocked and was deprived of food and medication. Also, his money was misused and taken, and he was not given access to his personal information. The actor said, “If elder abuse happened to me, Mickey Rooney, it can happen to anyone.” The reason he remained silent was because he did not have the courage to seek help and no one would believe him. (Lamkey, 2011) Elder abuse is a social issue that can happen anytime and anywhere to anyone. Regardless of the victims’ identities, they do not have the power or courage to seek help when they are abused. All they can do is endure it and live in pain for the remainder of their lives. Therefore, this issue should have the public’s awareness and the government should introduce more suitable solutions to the problem. Family members are the most frequent and potential perpetrators of elder abuse in the United States. According to a survey of Adult Protective Services in 2004, statistics shows that family members account for more than 65% of the abuse cases. (Thomas, 2014) The abuse can be caused by stress of being unable to cope with the demands of caring for the elderly. It can also be caused by financially stressed and disorganized family situation. (Healthy Aging. N.d.) In some cultures, people’s beliefs do not allow them to care about the issue. People believe that “what goes on in the home is a private, ‘family matter’”. Those outside the family who suspect the issue may think, “It’s a family problem and none of my business”. (Elder Abuse and Neglect: In Search of Solutions. N.d.) However, in research conducted in 2010, it is estimated that approximately one in every ten elders experience elder abuse, and the trend is likely to grow. By 2050, it is possible that 20% of the population in the United States will suffer from this issue, showing that this has become a public health issue. (Statistics/Data, n.d.) No one should have to endure being mistreated. Also, the risk is much higher among ethnic groups and the United States as a multicultural country increases the risk. Therefore, some cultures do not recognize that there is a problem while other cultures do not want to get involved in other people’s business. Regardless, they should be made aware that help does exist for those who suffer from elder abuse. To conclude, the public should be made aware of elder abuse, so they can understand that it can happen to anyone and will get worse if nothing is done to solve the problem.
Only by educating the public on the social injustice issue will they know how to recognize and deal with the problem and prevent it from expanding in the United States. In order to get people to recognize elder abuse, organizations should educate them by holding events and distributing pamphlets about the issue.The Ageless Alliance has created an action kit that includes videos and sufficient information about elder abuse. It also includes a guideline on events or actions you can do to promote the awareness of the issue to others. Moreover, “to raise national awareness, the White House signed a proclamation in 2012 declaring June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.” (Action Kit, n.d) People can have a better and thorough understanding about elder abuse and take a stand against the issue. Also, the awareness day can bring the public’s attention to the issue, thereby getting more people involved in the campaign. People should gather more information on and get assistance with selecting the suitable nursing home for elders to reside in. “The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Centre provides support, technical assistance and training to different long-term care ombudsman program” in the nation. Ombudsmen provide information and assistance on choosing a facility with quality care. They are trained to solve problems and complaints as well. “Under the federal Older Americans Act, every state is required to have an Ombudsman Program that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long-term care system.”
(About Ombudsmen, N.d.) With the help of the ombudsmen, families can make a better choice of nursing home that provides quality care for the elders, therefore avoiding and preventing the occurrence of elder abuse. Besides, the ombudsmen can help solve problem and conflicts between families and nursing homes, so as to let the elders and families feel that they can report any social injustice issue. Even though they may be given sufficient help to victims, they might not make use of it. A victim who has been abused by her caregiver for several months and restricted from seeing anyone except her doctor may not report the issue to her doctor as she is convinced that the abuser is the only one willing to take care of her. (Aycinena, n.d) The government has set up different programs to raise public awareness on this issue and provide sufficient help to victims and families. One of the most significant programs is the Adult Protection Service, an organization that aims to protect and prevent elders from being abused. A 60-year-old man, Jerry, with mental retardation was found having heavy bruises around his body. He was living with his brother, but they had a poor relationship. Their neighbors often heard fighting and never seen Jerry leave the house. They realized that Jerry was filled with fear and panic, so they contacted the APS for help. (Abuse, National Cneter On Elder, 2007) These programs can help victims of elder abuse and people around them know that there is help to support and protect them. Pride should never prevent a victim from seeking help. Although many resources are given to help the victims, they might not report the issue or ask for help because they fear that no one other than the abuser will take care of them regardless of their dependency. Education on the issue should be provided to people so as to increase the awareness of elder abuse and introduce more new solutions to the issue.
The public should have more knowledge and understanding of elder abuse, since it is a social injustice issue that can happen to anyone, with public awareness and adequate programs that address the issue, elder abuse will increase. Elder abuse is a social injustice issue that has been concealed in American society, yet it is an expanding problem. People should be aware of it because everyone might witness or experience it. Therefore, more education on the issue should be given to the public by providing more events and information on what elder abuse is and what assistance one can receive. As the population of elders is increasing each year in United States, it is expected that the issue will be more significant in society. If public awareness is not increased, future generations will become ignorant of the severity of the issue and will lead to a dysfunctional society in the United States of America where all people, especially those most vulnerable—like the elderly—deserve to be treated humanely, not like animals.
In many countries, elders are being deprived of their respect, dignity, and basic human rights. This is a significant problem in the United States. Elders with disabilities are deprived of basic human rights, for they are neglected and taken advantage of. An elderly woman did not receive proper care and was deceived by her caregiver. She was first convinced that she did not have the ability to take care of her finances, so she gave the power of attorney to the caregiver. Then, the caregiver took away her right to meet people other than her physician and even changed her will after the old woman died. (Aycinena, n.d.) The caregiver in the above case violated the elderly woman’s basic human rights. However, the case is just one of many examples of elder abuse committed in the United States. It is also significant that the old woman had no opportunity to report the abuse to others, showing the possibility that there are many unreported cases. Therefore, it is important to set up laws and regulations to solve the problem immediately. In United States, the issue is concealed, yet the number of cases is increasing. In 2010, there were around 6 million cases of elder abuse, consisting of 9.5% of the elder population. It is estimated that the number of cases is likely to grow along with the increasing population of the elderly. (Elder Abuse Statistics, n.d.) It is foreseeable that the issue is likely to become more serious in the community, so it is important for the government to create different solutions in response to the problem. Also, the issue should be brought to the society’s attention so that people are aware of the seriousness of the issue. In some cultures, their values and beliefs determine their actions and attitudes towards elders. For examples, some “cultures do not honor the basic right of women, and older women in these cultures” (“Elder Abuse and Neglect: In Search of Solutions.” n.d.) do not think they are being abused, nor does the society consider the treatment of the elderly as abuse. In India, the society does not consider the issue a problem worth tracking, because many families are in the same situation. The younger generation goes out to earn money, leaving no one to take care of the elderly. (Kaindl, 2009) Regardless of culture, elder abuse is a public issue since it puts pressure on the health care system. The elderly who suffer from physical, sexual, or even emotional abuse, may have to be hospitalized which is paid by tax payers. If the problem is more effectively addressed, then taxes can be used to address other serious issues. (Garcia, 1993) Although elder abuse is not always a social injustice issue in every culture, as the definition of it differs, public awareness on the issue should still be raised since it is a public health issue. In United States, elder abuse is a social injustice issue that is becoming more serious, yet ironically society is least concerned about the issue. People should be educated on the issue in order to prevent its expansion.
Many people around us will grow old one day, even our loved ones, and we want them to be able to live in peace and happiness instead of pain and depression. As people grow old, they become potential elder abuse victims. It could be celebrities, family members, or even us in the future. The legendary actor Mickey Rooney accused his stepson of abusing him financially and violating his human rights. His access to mail was blocked and was deprived of food and medication. Also, his money was misused and taken, and he was not given access to his personal information. The actor said, “If elder abuse happened to me, Mickey Rooney, it can happen to anyone.” The reason he remained silent was because he did not have the courage to seek help and no one would believe him. (Lamkey, 2011) Elder abuse is a social issue that can happen anytime and anywhere to anyone. Regardless of the victims’ identities, they do not have the power or courage to seek help when they are abused. All they can do is endure it and live in pain for the remainder of their lives. Therefore, this issue should have the public’s awareness and the government should introduce more suitable solutions to the problem. Family members are the most frequent and potential perpetrators of elder abuse in the United States. According to a survey of Adult Protective Services in 2004, statistics shows that family members account for more than 65% of the abuse cases. (Thomas, 2014) The abuse can be caused by stress of being unable to cope with the demands of caring for the elderly. It can also be caused by financially stressed and disorganized family situation. (Healthy Aging. N.d.) In some cultures, people’s beliefs do not allow them to care about the issue. People believe that “what goes on in the home is a private, ‘family matter’”. Those outside the family who suspect the issue may think, “It’s a family problem and none of my business”. (Elder Abuse and Neglect: In Search of Solutions. N.d.) However, in research conducted in 2010, it is estimated that approximately one in every ten elders experience elder abuse, and the trend is likely to grow. By 2050, it is possible that 20% of the population in the United States will suffer from this issue, showing that this has become a public health issue. (Statistics/Data, n.d.) No one should have to endure being mistreated. Also, the risk is much higher among ethnic groups and the United States as a multicultural country increases the risk. Therefore, some cultures do not recognize that there is a problem while other cultures do not want to get involved in other people’s business. Regardless, they should be made aware that help does exist for those who suffer from elder abuse. To conclude, the public should be made aware of elder abuse, so they can understand that it can happen to anyone and will get worse if nothing is done to solve the problem.
Only by educating the public on the social injustice issue will they know how to recognize and deal with the problem and prevent it from expanding in the United States. In order to get people to recognize elder abuse, organizations should educate them by holding events and distributing pamphlets about the issue.The Ageless Alliance has created an action kit that includes videos and sufficient information about elder abuse. It also includes a guideline on events or actions you can do to promote the awareness of the issue to others. Moreover, “to raise national awareness, the White House signed a proclamation in 2012 declaring June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.” (Action Kit, n.d) People can have a better and thorough understanding about elder abuse and take a stand against the issue. Also, the awareness day can bring the public’s attention to the issue, thereby getting more people involved in the campaign. People should gather more information on and get assistance with selecting the suitable nursing home for elders to reside in. “The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Centre provides support, technical assistance and training to different long-term care ombudsman program” in the nation. Ombudsmen provide information and assistance on choosing a facility with quality care. They are trained to solve problems and complaints as well. “Under the federal Older Americans Act, every state is required to have an Ombudsman Program that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long-term care system.”
(About Ombudsmen, N.d.) With the help of the ombudsmen, families can make a better choice of nursing home that provides quality care for the elders, therefore avoiding and preventing the occurrence of elder abuse. Besides, the ombudsmen can help solve problem and conflicts between families and nursing homes, so as to let the elders and families feel that they can report any social injustice issue. Even though they may be given sufficient help to victims, they might not make use of it. A victim who has been abused by her caregiver for several months and restricted from seeing anyone except her doctor may not report the issue to her doctor as she is convinced that the abuser is the only one willing to take care of her. (Aycinena, n.d) The government has set up different programs to raise public awareness on this issue and provide sufficient help to victims and families. One of the most significant programs is the Adult Protection Service, an organization that aims to protect and prevent elders from being abused. A 60-year-old man, Jerry, with mental retardation was found having heavy bruises around his body. He was living with his brother, but they had a poor relationship. Their neighbors often heard fighting and never seen Jerry leave the house. They realized that Jerry was filled with fear and panic, so they contacted the APS for help. (Abuse, National Cneter On Elder, 2007) These programs can help victims of elder abuse and people around them know that there is help to support and protect them. Pride should never prevent a victim from seeking help. Although many resources are given to help the victims, they might not report the issue or ask for help because they fear that no one other than the abuser will take care of them regardless of their dependency. Education on the issue should be provided to people so as to increase the awareness of elder abuse and introduce more new solutions to the issue.
The public should have more knowledge and understanding of elder abuse, since it is a social injustice issue that can happen to anyone, with public awareness and adequate programs that address the issue, elder abuse will increase. Elder abuse is a social injustice issue that has been concealed in American society, yet it is an expanding problem. People should be aware of it because everyone might witness or experience it. Therefore, more education on the issue should be given to the public by providing more events and information on what elder abuse is and what assistance one can receive. As the population of elders is increasing each year in United States, it is expected that the issue will be more significant in society. If public awareness is not increased, future generations will become ignorant of the severity of the issue and will lead to a dysfunctional society in the United States of America where all people, especially those most vulnerable—like the elderly—deserve to be treated humanely, not like animals.