While this
specific footage is from 2013, elder abuse is a serious and ongoing
problem. In the United States, an aging baby-boomer generation and
medical advances prolonging life expectancy means that an increasingly
larger number of people are in need of part- or full-time elder care and
support services. Tragically, those who are the most dependent upon the
mercy of others are also at the highest risk of abuse, and many suffer
in silence. Even without the dementia that kept Parent's mother from
recalling the incidents of abuse she faced, seniors are no less
vulnerable to the same fears that keep abuse victims from speaking out
against their abusers.
While some elder care positions require advanced training and can
be part of a lucrative career, many positions are entry-level with
little training and minimal compensation. Although elder care requires a
lot of physical labor and immense compassion, those who are lovingly
dedicated to their jobs are poorly compensated. According to Chron, the
average home health aid earns about $20,000 a year, and the average
nurse aid, orderly or attendant at a care facility earns only slightly
more. I can't help but wonder if better wages would allow care
facilities to be more selective about who they hire, avoiding some of
these types of cases. Still, I know that even providing for this level
of care is a great financial strain for many families.
What is your reaction to this story? Do you have any ideas for
changing this atrocious situation? Alternatively, if there was a
caregiver who went above and beyond to help you or a loved one feel
cared for, please share those stories as well! We don't want the few
rotten apples to spoil our perception of those who sacrifice every day
to care for our elders.
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