Ministry of Health statistics show that 221,000 senior citizens were received in hospitals in 2003 after being severely abused. This is a 30% increase on 2002.
The statistics for the abuse of the elderly include cases of neglect as well as physical abuse. Doctors recorded physical violence against the elderly after noting bruises on various places on the body, while mental abuse is often observed when the elderly patient appears uncomfortable in the presence of the care giver.
Statistics in the periodical publication of the Health Ministry's director-general show that 3-8% of the elderly in Israel —20,000-50,000 people—are abused. “Most of the assaults take place in the context of trusting relations between the elderly and those around them inside the family or in various care-giving frameworks,” the report said, adding, “Nursing staff and doctors have a decisive role to play in preventing and addressing this phenomenon.” |