Elder Abuse Legal Issues
Existing Issue
Abuse, in this case, refers to any form of action taken against an older person that is unlawful. It is important to note that some acts may not necessarily be unlawful even though deemed unethical. Abuse involves psychological, emotional, and physical abuse. Abused older adults are more likely to suffer bodily injury and death (Stiegel, 2014). Neglect is a form of abuse that affects the individual emotionally and physically and can result in a financial drain. Capacity, which involves the physical and mental function of the elderly (Center for Elders and the Courts, n.d.) plays a significant role as concerns neglect.
Importance of Neglect Issue to Oregon’s Elderly
Oregon understands the issue of elder abuse and, as such, has a law that seeks to protect the older population. The Older Americans Act is keen on freedom, community participation, independence, and protection against neglect and exploitation (“State of Oregon: SUA – Elderly and Vulnerable Adult Rights and Abuse Prevention”, 2020). In this regard, neglect of the elderly population is not only unethical but unlawful. Negligence is especially common in situations where the primary caregiver at home or home care service refuses to fulfill expected responsibilities. These include but are not limited to providing medical services, food, shelter, clothing, hygiene, safety, to name a few (Stiegel, 2014).
A lack of these necessities not only exposes the individual to health risks but also emotional and mental aggravation. The aged population is likely to suffer from chronic illnesses hence the need for medical attention. Some individuals may be bedridden due to health issues as well. Neglect, in this case, involves a lack of medical and physical assistance and round the clock care. Such negligence is thus punishable by law, which translates to the abusive caregiver being punished by a court of law in Oregon. Negligence issues are, therefore, crucial to the elderly in Oregon. A majority is likely to suffer from some form of neglect in their old age.
Outlook on Neglect over the Next Decade
The older population is expected to increase over the next decades as life expectancy increases. It thus means that an increased number of older adults will need care both at the home, hospital, and elderly nursing home levels. The increased number automatically leads to more cases of neglect. Neglect will ultimately translate to a higher number of neglect related deaths, ill-health, and injury.
As technology evolves and the use of robots, for example, evolves, neglect is likely to reduce. Responsibilities handled by caregivers are likely to be dealt with by programmed machines. Individuals who have mobility issues, for example, would be assisted by programmed wheelchairs that would help the person sit, move around the house, feed, take medication to name a few. As a result, older people with mobility and memory loss issues would be well taken care of. In the case of memory loss, for example, the wheelchair could be programmed with the medication and feeding timing to avoid medication and food skipping. Technology is thus instrumental in dealing with old population neglect as it will drastically reduce adverse impacts related to negligence.
Conclusion
Neglect of the elderly is not only unlawful under Oregon law, but it is also unethical. It is in this regard that cases of any form of abuse that includes but is not limited to neglect should be reported to the Oregon Office of Adult Abuse Prevention and Investigations. The office mandate is to investigate abuse cases against older citizens. The existence of a law does not guarantee adherence to the same. In this regard, strict measures such as harsher penalties should be instituted against those who abuse senior citizens.