S.Res.295 is a resolution bill introduced to help stop the abuse seen among the elderly. Abuse of any kind must be punishable by law. But an abuse to the elderly, minors, or disabled population, is unacceptable. Elderly abuse is something that we see every day, but unfortunately, elderly abuse is seen mainly in extended care settings, and within the abused family. Elderly abuse can come in the form of sexual, verbal, physical, emotional, and neglect. Senator Chuck Grassley introduced to congress this resolution designating June 15, 2021, as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” and the month of June as “Elder Abuse Awareness Month” on June 06, 2021. In his resolution, he elaborated his reason for proposing this day/month be designated as “Elder Abuse Awareness day/month.” Some of his reasons were; elder abuse is an ongoing problem seen in the U.S.; One in 60 people over the age of 60 in the U.S. today go through abuse of some kind each year; 90 percent of the reported abuse seen among the elderly is from family or trusted individual, elder abuse are also seen in long-term care facilities and in nursing homes. He also stated that since “Congress, in passing the Elder Justice Act of 2009 (42 U.S.C. 1395i–3a et seq.), the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.), the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (34 U.S.C. 21701 et seq.), the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117–2), and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116–260), recognized the importance of protecting older people of the United States against abuse and exploitation,” making June 15, 2021 “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” and the month of June “Elder Abuse Awareness Month” should also be considered by the house (“Actions – S.Res.295 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): A resolution designating June 15, 2021, as “World elder abuse awareness day” and the month of June as “Elder abuse awareness month,” 2021).
According to Andela et al., (2021), elderly abuse and neglects seen in nursing homes among nurses and nurses’ aid are related to the shortage of caregivers and lack of resources needed to take care of these elderly ones. It is very unfortunate that some places like the U.K. revealed that 34% of the public in their country do not see domestic abuse or domestic violence towards the elderly as abuse but rather as a social care issue (Gray, 2021). A cross-sectional study by Şen & Meriç, (2020) shows that elderly abuse is mainly seen among elderly over the age of 65, single, low-income, who had primary school or below education, and those who do not have social security.
We must advocate for our patients who are being abused, especially the elderly ones. Elderly abuse can lead to serious morbidity and premature mortality. Although 10% of adults in the U.S. today report been abused, the fear of been abused even more when they speak up has caused most of them not to report (Baker et al., 2016). As a future Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), I found this Act very interesting. I will make sure that I raise awareness to help advocate for these elderly ones going through any form of abuse. It is essential to make the elderly understand that it is not a normal lifestyle. Some may assume it and know that it is necessary to speak up when they find themselves in an abusive environment.
Actions – S.Res.295 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): A resolution designating June 15, 2021, as “World elder abuse awareness day” and the month of June as “Elder abuse awareness month”. (2021, June 24). Congress.gov | Library of Congress. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-resolution/295/all-actions?r=1&overview=closed&s=2#tabs
Andela, M., Truchot, D., & Huguenotte, V. (2021). Work Environment and Elderly Abuse in Nursing Homes: The Mediating Role of Burnout. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(11–12), 5709–5729. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1177/0886260518803606
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