Is Your Retirement Home Safe: Recognizing Senior Bullying
When you think of the term bullying, you probably think of teenagers in middle school or high school teasing their classmates. Bullying is a type of behavior that involves insulting or making fun of another individual due to a perceived weakness. It can occur at any age, but bullying is most common in situations where a group of people spend large quantities of time together, such as a school or nursing home. Here's what you need to know to ensure your loved one is safe.
What is Senior Bullying?
Senior bullying refers to bullying of older individuals. According to the AARP, between 10 and 20 percent of all seniors in nursing homes are victims of bullying. It can be either verbal or physical. Generally, the bully will display words or actions that are threatening to the senior being bullied. Some examples of bullying behavior are as follows:
- Jokes and insults
- Rude gestures
- Snarky comments
- Pushing the victim around
- Physical harm including hitting and pushing
- Gossiping or rumors
- Making fun of the person's condition
Signs of Bullying
Like with other kinds of abuse, seniors who are bullied generally display certain behavioral traits. Increased anxiety is common, as are the following signs:
- Fear of a certain person
- Depression and anxiety
- Changes in their behavior
- Avoidance of activities and rooms
If your loved one is exhibiting any of the above signs, you should alert a caregiver so the issue can be resolved.
What Caregivers Can Do
Intervention from a caregiver is crucial to stop bullying. All caregivers should learn the warning signs of senior bullying. Caregivers should try to ensure seniors are never alone in a group where they do not have a friend. Limiting the amount of time that a senior spends with unfamiliar people will reduce any opportunity for bullying to occur. In addition, caregivers should have a policy in place to deal with aggression and bad behavior in seniors. When necessary, caregivers can contact social services for help.
Bullying in seniors can lead to long-term effects and depression. It is important to recognize the signs quickly and stop the bullying the moment it starts. If you have a parent or loved one in a retirement home, sit down with them and let them know about senior bullying and tell them you are there to help them. Seniors who have people they can confide in are able to seek help when a problem arises. Contact a local community, such as Heritage Commons, to find out more information in your area.
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