Elder Abuse cases Rise as Hospitals Implement New Detection Method
Nijmegen, Netherlands – A growing number of violent incidents targeting elderly individuals are prompting hospitals across the Netherlands to adopt a new method for identifying and preventing abuse. Experts warn that elder abuse, often occurring “behind the front door,” is becoming increasingly common, with an estimated one in twenty elderly people living at home experiencing mistreatment.
According to Liesbeth Berben, the issue frequently escalates from pre-existing pressures. “Such a serious violent incident often goes a lot in advance,” she stated. Contributing factors include an aging population choosing to remain in their homes longer, placing increased strain on caregivers – frequently enough partners – and the challenges presented by conditions like dementia.Berben recounted a harrowing case where an elderly woman with dementia was handcuffed to a radiator to allow her husband to run errands,illustrating a desperate attempt to avoid nursing home placement despite a promise of “eternal loyalty.”
Healthcare professionals at the Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ) in Nijmegen are witnessing the consequences firsthand. “The moment someone ends up in the hospital, the house of cards is sometimes already collapsed,” explained Marieke verhoeven of the Geriatrics department. “often you see strongly lost patients, malnourished, neglected.”
In response, CWZ developed a protocol requiring staff to assess not only the presenting medical issue but also for signs of neglect, abuse, or mistreatment.Positive findings are documented and trigger further examination, potentially involving patient interviews or contact with physicians and safe home services. “As we are working on this,we see an increasing number of cases,” berben noted.
Verhoeven acknowledged a ancient lack of attention and a “knowledge shortage” among healthcare professionals,leading to hesitation in recognizing and intervening in potential abuse situations. To address this, increased training and collaboration with other healthcare authorities are underway.
The CWZ’s method is now being implemented in ten hospitals nationwide, reflecting a growing recognition of elder abuse as a “social responsibility” requiring proactive intervention.