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.

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.

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