Elder abuse
Here's a good reason we should teach pastors and parish nurses to assess for domestic violence:Older adults being cared for by a spouse may be at a higher risk of abuse, especially if the caregiver is coping with personal health problems.
So says a new study by researchers at the University of Pittsburg.
The study, published in the February issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggests that clinicians be sure support groups and respite care services are available to depressed spouses who care for an older mate.
With their unique access to families, pastors may be at the front line of assessing these problems.
Certainly, faith leaders can take three important steps:
First, naming this demon from the pulpit so that an abused spouse can be encouraged to seek help.
Second, adapting respite care programs for people with cancer and AIDS (which many congregations have already developed) to the situation of aging Baby Boomers who may find themselves at the end of their coping skills.
Third, helping older caregivers identify, name, and address the sources of their anger and frustration in ways that help them cope more faithfully with the pressures they face.
.: Posted by Duane Bidwell on Monday, February 28, 2005
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