Study shows material abuse a common form of abuse among elderly

Article Abstract:

Material abuse is abuse incurred by someone by having their property or financial resources misused or stolen. A recent report by Pillemer and Podniek showed that material abuse is the most common type of abuse suffered by the elderly, representing more than 50 percent of all cases of elderly abuse. Their study of Canadian elderly living in private dwellings revealed that 40 persons per 1,000 elders had recently experienced some type of abuse. Victims of material abuse tended to be unmarried, in poor health, and socially isolated. Friends, neighbors, and acquaintances were the abusers in 40 percent of the cases, distant relatives in 24 percent of cases, and sons or daughters in 29 percent of cases. Material abuse was rarely reported. About 10 percent of abuse cases involved physical violence with 5 persons per 1,000 elders reporting that they had suffered physical abuse. The victims tended to be married and male; they often blamed the abuse on themselves. The majority of abusers were spouses. Verbal and psychological abuse was reported by 14 persons per 1,000 elders. This type of abuse was similar to physical abuse in that the victims tended to be married and were abused by their spouses. Similarly, the victims often blamed themselves for psychological abuse. Neglect was the least common form of elder abuse. Victims of neglect tended to be in poor health and unable to care for themselves. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Aged, Demographic aspects, Offenses against property, Crimes against property, Elder abuse, Crimes against the person, Offenses against the person

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Balancing act: changes in equilibrium trip up elderly

Article Abstract:

Falling is a serious health problem among the elderly, often leading to severe injury and permanent disability. The propensity to fall appears to increase with age, but only recently has science begun to understand the causes of falling. Most previous research has focused on environmental causes of falling. Research by Gary D. Paige and colleagues indicates that the body's balance system (equilibrium) degenerates with age, increasing the risks for falling. Maintaining balance involves a complex interaction of several variables. One of these variables, known as the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), is responsible for keeping the eyes positioned on a target. The VOR maintains a stable visual image even when the head and the body move erratically. Declines in VOR functioning can severely affect equilibrium. Paige tested the VOR in 60 normal subjects with ages ranging from 18 to 89 years. The subjects older than 65 years had diminished VOR abilities compared with the younger subjects. Paige then examined if the brain was able to correct for changes in the vestibular system. Results showed that younger subjects were more successful in adapting to the changes than were older subjects. These findings may help to identify elderly persons at risk for falling and may lead to the development of measures to prevent falls. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Abnormalities, Physiological aspects, Vestibulo-ocular reflex

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Evolution of compliance within a fall prevention program

Article Abstract:

Evolution of compliance within a fall-prevention program has been studied by a medical-surgical unit's quality assurance/product improvement team. Initial attempts to implement the program underestimated resources needed to ensure full implementation. A series of audits and program changes in time brought success. It is important to find out whether such a program is being uniformly administered. Ongoing staff education and persistence in working on organizational change are also important. Seemingly modest changes in practice can be expensive.

Quality management, Hospitalization, Hospital care

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