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Caregiver issues and abuse
If you think you or someone you know is being abused, please report
it immediately to our Abuse Hotline (800) 282-3020.
Overview
Oregon statistics show that many cases of abuse and neglect take place in the
home. Though many seniors and people with disabilities decide to move into
some kind of care facility (nursing home, adult foster home, assisted living
facility, residential care facility or room and board facilities), most people
who need assistance choose to live in their own or a family member's home.
Either formal (paid) caregivers or informal (unpaid) caregivers can be an
alleged perpetrator in cases of abuse and neglect.
Caregiver stress & depression
Although criminal intentions sometimes motivate abusers, stress and depression
may also be a contributing factor. For instance, personal problems of the
caregiver can lead to the abuse of an elderly or vulnerable person. These
issues may include job related and other crises, overwhelming responsibility,
or lack of training and support. Stress does not give permission to abuse.
Caregivers who abuse due to stress are unique in that they seek help or once
brought to his or her attention, the abuse stops. The abuse is often limited
and not a pattern. Many caregivers respond to interventions such as respite,
training or counseling and feel honest remorse.
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Domestic violence
Unfortunately most abuse of elders and vulnerable Oregonians is due to domestic
violence, not stress. Research shows that abusers and non-abusers report
equal stress levels. Most willing and able caregivers do not alleviate stress
by committing harmful acts against vulnerable adults. Abuse relating to domestic
violence is due to power and control.
Responding to domestic violence as caregiver stress focuses on the needs of
the caregiver, not the care receiver. Giving support to the caregiver allows
them additional power and control over the vulnerable adult. This model blames
the vulnerable adult for needing care. To abuse is a choice. Stress is used
as an excuse for abusive behavior. Indicators of domestic violence are that
the abuse does not stop and while the caregiver gets support, the vulnerable
adult’s plight worsens. Addictions such as substance abuse, gambling
and untreated mental illness such as depression are serious problems. Unaddressed,
they may make the caregiver unsuitable to the responsibility of care giving.
*See more information on domestic violence
Report Abuse
People who are being abused for any reason need to report it immediately. DHS
and our partners are here to help. Call 1(800)282-3020. We can help get you
out of danger, find new caregivers, or provide support to the caregiver as
appropriate. You are not alone.
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Caregiver Assistance
When caregivers feel stress, they should seek assistance. The caregiver, whom
in good faith, seeks assistance, should not be punished. The care
of the caregiver section offers advice to help monitor and lessen caregiver
stress and burnout. When caregivers, especially family members, face the
demands of daily care without support and care, they often suffer themselves.
Frustration, anger, not feeling up to the task, and unfairness leads to illness
and giving up. Learn when to get help. The well-being of the caregiver is
important to the well-being of the vulnerable adult.
Also see: Warning
signs of caregiver abuse & neglect
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