By Anastasia Vasiliki Theodoropoulou
Clinical Psychologist (MSc)
ANAPLASI Medical Rehabilitation Center
June 15 has been designated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day dedicated to recognizing a silent but growing social problem: the abuse and neglect of older persons. This day was established in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and was officially recognized by the UN in 2011. The purpose of this global day is to raise awareness about the forms of violence and neglect experienced by older people, as well as to promote multidisciplinary prevention and intervention strategies.
Today, the day takes on special significance, as there is an increase in elderly people, and consequently, an increased need for health and care services. Elder abuse can be physical, psychological, verbal, financial, sexual, or involve neglect, such as indifference, desertion, lack of support, dignity, and respect. In fact, neglect, although often invisible, is a common form of violence.
Most abusers usually come from the person’s close family or wider environment.
The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 1 in 6 adults over the age of 60 experiences abuse in the community, while in institutional settings, the percentage goes up to 64.2% according to staff reports.
An issue that concerns us all
The mistreatment of the elderly is not an individual issue, but a social one, which can appear in various dimensions. In a world and culture that is constantly progressing and where aging is inevitable, the mistreatment of these groups is not consistent with the modern principles and values of equality, respect, and justice. More specifically, the treatment of the elderly is a mirror of our society and the attitude we hold towards human dignity. Thus, silence and indifference towards such incidents result in perpetuating the mistreatment of the elderly. However, raising everyone’s awareness and encouraging active participation in actions to prevent and address mistreatment can stop the perpetuation of these phenomena.
The role of Rehabilitation Centers
Rehabilitation Centers must function as safe environments, where the prevention and early detection of such phenomena are ensured. More specifically, through an interdisciplinary approach, with the collaboration of doctors, nurses, therapeutic staff, social workers, and clinical psychologists, they aim to meet all the needs of elderly people, who in these settings are also seriously ill. This includes their human rights, such as the right to dignity, but also the right to physical and mental peace.
What happens at ANAPLASI
At ANAPLASI, we ensure the prevention, immediate recognition, and treatment of such phenomena. The interdisciplinary approach of our center, which includes the collaboration between doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nutritionists, social workers, clinical psychologists, and neuropsychologists, ensures the continuous monitoring and protection of elderly people. In fact, in the context of promoting the safety and well-being of the elderly, all ANAPLASI staff are trained and constantly vigilant to recognize possible signs of abuse or neglect. This includes constant vigilance for signs that may indicate abuse by the family or social environment of the elderly, as well as self-observation and evaluation of their own care practices through discussions with other staff, as well as the completion of questionnaires in collaboration with social workers and psychologists. ANAPLASI’s approach is based on protocols, documented practices, and guidelines for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of elder abuse. The social worker in Anaplasi monitors the patient’s social environment to prevent and manage possible incidents.
The Role of the Clinical Psychologist
The role of the clinical psychologist in ANAPLASI is multifaceted and essential for the holistic care of elderly patients, especially regarding the prevention, detection, or treatment of abuse or neglect.
More specifically, the basic responsibilities of clinical psychologists at ANAPLASI are:
1) Psychological assessment and detection of abusive behavior:
The initial psychological assessment takes place on admission of the patient, and is then repeated monthly. Through the history taking, information is obtained about the patient’s past and current relationships with his family, care, and social environment, and phenomena of abuse or neglect are investigated. In addition to the psychological assessment and observation, the clinical psychologist at ANAPLASI has validated and reliable psychometric tools (Psychometric scales PHQ-9, GAD-7), which are administered to patients and can distinguish depressive and/or anxiety symptoms that may accompany abuse.
2) Therapeutic intervention
Psychological assessment leads to therapeutic interventions. Through individual therapy, as well as participation in social support and recreational groups, mental resilience, self-esteem, and communication skills are strengthened. The use of scientifically established therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, contributes to the management of the effects of abuse and the prevention of future events.
3) Staff training
The clinical psychologist at ANAPLASI works closely with the medical, nursing, and therapeutic staff, providing useful information regarding the recognition of signs of abuse and the implementation of appropriate interventions. Training is provided to the staff regarding the management of patients who have suffered abuse from their family, professional, and social environment, while enhancing their ability to empathize with all patients.
4) Collaboration with family and caregivers
The clinical psychologist collaborates closely with the family and caregivers of the patients, thus identifying signs of abuse or neglect that require intervention. At the same time, counselling is offered to support the patient’s relatives and carers, ameliorating the stress and emotional pressure caused by caring for a sick elderly patient, in addition to managing the practical and emotional challenges of caring for them. In fact, in collaboration with the social workers of the center, but also with community organizations, comprehensive support is provided to elderly patients and emphasis is placed on their social reintegration, the ultimate goal of Rehabilitation, which is desirable and achievable at any age.
Let’s Not Forget
The World Day Against Elder Abuse is not just an opportunity to raise awareness and information, but a starting point for a concerted effort to protect older people from all forms of violence.
At ANAPLASI, we are committed to strengthening detection protocols, psychosocial support, and education of all those involved, ensuring a space where old age is honored and protected.
At ANAPLASI
“We do the maximum possible, not the minimum necessary.”
“We care for our patients as we would care for our own family.”
Bibliography
American Psychological Association (2014). Guidelines for psychological practice with older adults. https://www.apa.org/practice/guidelines/guidelines-psychological-practice-older-adults.pdf
Baker PR., et al., (2016). Interventions for preventing abuse in the elderly. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Aug 16.
United Nations (2011). World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
World Health Organization (2024). Abuse of older people.
Wigglesworth A., et al., (2008). Combating Elder and Dependent Adult Mistreatment: The Role of the Clinical Psychologist. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, pp. 20(3):207-30.
