No categories found for this post.
What Role Does Social Isolation Play in Elder Abuse?
Social isolation, when someone has few relationships and limited social contact, can be both a cause and a consequence of abuse, and is even a predictor of mistreatment. There is […]
Social isolation, when someone has few relationships and limited social contact, can be both a cause and a consequence of abuse, and is even a predictor of mistreatment. There is evidence linking isolation with increased rates of dementia, cognitive decline, and mental illness, which increases the risk of abuse. Isolation can also exacerbate feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety, resulting in increased difficulty in reaching out for help or reporting abuse.
Evidence also suggests the emotional vulnerability of an isolated elderly person, including those who are recently bereaved, can increase the likelihood of falling victim to scams. Unfortunately, there are predatory scammers who take advantage of an emotional void to build a relationship with the victim, which they exploit for financial benefit.
When an elderly person is socially isolated, there are fewer people around them who might notice signs of mistreatment or neglect. Without friends or family to offer assistance or a listening ear, an elderly person in an abusive situation may feel trapped or powerless. This makes it much easier for abusers to operate without the fear of getting caught, allowing the abuse to go undetected and unreported.
Additionally, if an elderly person is dependent on a single caregiver with little outside interaction, the relationship can skew to one of abusive control or power. Isolated elders can become reliant on their abusers, which can trap them in the situation.
Social isolation as a symptom of elder abuse
Abusers often encourage isolation as a tactic, so the elderly person is cut off from others they could share the situation with. Indicators of forced isolation can include the elderly person withdrawing from typical social outlets, reducing or terminating visits from family and friends, making changes to legal documents like wills or power of attorney, transferring property rights, altering banking habits or accounts, canceling medical appointments, and even deteriorating health.
If you’re concerned about isolation as a factor of elder abuse, there are various steps you can take. See our topic, “What should I do if I suspect elder abuse?”
Sources
“Social Isolation of Seniors”. Toronto Police. https://eapon.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/social_isolation_of_seniors-TPS.pdf
