Elderly Abuse: Frequently Asked Questions

IS ELDERLY ABUSE REPORTED?

Elderly abuse is most often not reported because of:

• Limited information on elderly abuse and what counts as elderly abuse. Elderly individuals might be experiencing mistreatment from their caregivers but not recognize that they are indeed being abused.
• Fear of their abusers and what they might do should they find out that their actions were reported.
• Threats and intimidation from the abusers.
• Dependence of the elderly care-receivers on their caregivers or abusers. They might worry that if they were to report the mistreatment, they would lose the support they receive from their caregivers.

Due to these reasons, including others not listed here, a lot of elderly abuse cases go unreported. The lack of awareness within society may prevent victims from reporting their experiences of abuse and over time such cases become severe and even fatal. At Suruvi-Care for Caregivers, we believe that knowledge is power and that raising awareness on this issue is vital for the safety of elderly care-receivers as well as their caregivers. By joining our ‘Adopt a Caregiver’ campaign you can provide caregivers and care-receivers with the knowledge and support they require to understand their experiences and equip them with the tools to identify the risk factors that might build up into harmful situations. By being able to recognize signs of abuse and mistreatment they can then respond appropriately to protect and support themselves.

• ARE THERE RESCUE HOMES FOR VICTIMS OF ELDERLY ABUSE IN KENYA?

In Kenya, there are several rescue homes and support groups that offer assistance, support and care to old people who have experienced abuse and mistreatment. If you know or are a victim of elderly abuse it is advisable that you reach out to such organizations and support groups for their support and resources.

1. HelpAge Kenya – 0202730948
2. Centre for Rights, Education, and Awareness of Women and Children (CREAW) – +254720357664
3. Coalition on Violence Against Older Persons (COVAW) – +254208040000
4. Kenya Red Cross Society – 0703037000

• WHAT ARE THE INDICATORS OF COMPASSION FATIGUE?

Here are a few ways you can use to identify whether you or someone you know might be experiencing compassion fatigue.

1. Emotional exhaustion- feeling emotionally drained which can then lead you to being insensitive towards the needs of the person you are caring for.
2. Isolation- withdrawing from social interactions with other friends, family members and the community at large.
3. Physical symptoms- these may include headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, insomnia, etc.
4. Irritability- feeling easily irritated and frustrated. This might include being triggered and feeling overwhelmed by small inconveniences.
5. Loss of interest- you may find yourself no longer enjoying activities that you previously enjoyed.
6. Decreased self-care- while caring for an elderly person you might find yourself highly prioritizing their needs and putting your needs on the back burner. It is important not to neglect your self-care practices during times like this. Make sure you are exercising, eating healthy, engaging in your hobbies, etc.

• HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT OR BE SUPPORTED?

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of compassion fatigue or is possibly a victim of elderly abuse it is advisable to seek out professional help particularly from mental health professionals and other organizations such as the ones mentioned earlier.