Recently, two men were dismissed from their jobs at the home care service in Uppsala municipality, suspected of sexual abuse against the elderly they met in their duties. Another man was previously dismissed, suspected of raping an 84-year-old woman, which, among other things, Upsala Nya Tidning has reported on.
Dependence on the environment
Old age often involves increased dependence on the environment, thereby increasing the risk of being subjected to violence and abuse. In addition to violence from staff within the care sector, violence from relatives, caregivers, neighbors in special housing, and others in a position of dependence also occurs. This is stated by the Equality Ombudsman in a survey of knowledge about violence against the elderly. Catarina Gustafsson, one of the investigators who worked on the survey, says that violence against the elderly is multifaceted and can take different forms.
It can involve psychological abuse, such as threats and control, but also physical, economic, and sexual violence. Moreover, neglect is common, meaning that one does not receive the care one needs or is denied medication.
The reported prevalence of violence and abuse against the elderly varies greatly between different studies, depending on how the study is designed, but a common estimate is that 10-15 percent of people over 60 years old have been subjected to violence during the past 12 months, according to the Equality Ombudsman.
A knowledge issue
According to the authority, a major problem is that violence against the elderly is not detected.
There is a need for increased knowledge among those who meet the elderly, and the knowledge among staff in healthcare and care must be kept alive despite high staff turnover and a heavy and stressful work environment, she says.
Another area for improvement that the Equality Ombudsman points out in its report is the information provided to the elderly.
There is a need for information efforts where one explains what violence is and where one can get protection and support. Furthermore, healthcare and care providers must routinely ask questions about violence to the elderly they meet.
Train staff in elderly care repeatedly.
Make special information efforts for vulnerable groups.
Health centers should routinely ask questions about violence and abuse.
National helplines that offer support to victims of violence and perpetrators need to clarify that they also target the elderly.
Introduce mandatory register control of staff in elderly care.
Introduce safety ombudsmen in special housing and home care.
Introduce reporting obligation in the Social Services Act in case of suspicion that an adult with cognitive impairment is being mistreated.
Source: Equality Ombudsman. A dignified life – Aging free from violence. A survey of knowledge about violence against the elderly.
