Abuse in all forms is a very sensitive topic. Especially when it comes to people who can’t help themselves or protect themselves. This group also includes elderly people who have been taken care of in care facilities or at any other place.

Elder abuse can take several forms – physical, emotional, financial, or even basic neglect. Such events can have an impact on business operations and the general situation in the entire facility, that’s why the HR department is obligated to recognize and try to solve unpleasant situations.

We will be dealing with the connection between elder abuse and workplace dynamics, the signs to look out for and how to help those affected.

The Overlooked Link Between Elder Abuse and Workplace Dynamics

When elder (or anyone) abuse does occur, it affects not only them, but also their families and caregivers. Additional stress disrupts the rest of life which is hard to control.

Research has shown that employees who are caregivers at the same time show much higher levels of stress, are more absent from work, and are less focused on work. If we also include abuse in all of this – try to assess for yourself where it leads.

Situations like this are often accompanied by a feeling of guilt because they feel that they did not protect their loved ones enough, while at the same time they need to earn money in order to provide a decent life for themselves and their loved ones. Being overloaded with stress from many sides can also lead to burnout. And burnout in a working environment will surely lead to serious professional (and personal) consequences.

Recognizing Signs of Elder Abuse in the Workplace

HR experts are not investigators – but – we can say that they have the role of observers of behavior patterns that may indicate abuse or any inappropriate behaviour. Early detection is very important and can prevent escalations.

Behavioral and Performance Indicators to Watch

In people dealing with abuse, there are possible certain changes in behavior and general functioning.

• Increased absence from work – possible need to solve problems at home
• Decreased productivity – emotional “burden” can cause the quality of work to drop or the missed deadlines
• Emotional distress – mood swings, irritability, or anxiety are signs of a difficult situation
• Financial strain – questions about borrowing money, asking for advances, or stress when talking about money

Conversations That Might Indicate a Problem

Give them a safe space and support just by listening carefully and respecting their privacy. It means a lot to begin with.

• Caregiving stress – balancing work and caregiving can be very challenging to satisfy both (or all three) parties
• Concerns about exploitation – mention of financial problems due to caregiving
• Confessions about verbal abuse – revealing frustrations due to a tense family situation can lead to much deeper problems

How HR Can Support Employees Affected by Elder Abuse

Once it is discovered that the cause of lack of focus at work is actually a family problem (in this situation where an employee has an elderly person abused by a third person), it is easier to offer them help and a solution. Confidentiality is the most important thing in these kinds of situations as well as the fact that the company’s priority is their well-being.

Flexible Work Arrangements

If that is at all possible, you can offer them more flexible working hours, remote work, or extra days off to help ease the pressure. We believe that they will be grateful to you and that it will be of great help to them because they will be able to deal more with their problem and provide better living conditions for their loved ones.

Access to Resources Through EAPs

Every state has its own rights and laws that protect such persons. Likewise, every company should have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help employees in difficult situations like this. As we’ve already compared the state and the company, for example, while the “state” takes care of getting an Arizona elder abuse lawyer to help legally, you can engage with the psychological or just the human side.

Manager Training: Sensitivity & Awareness

This is the human side a bit. Working in a team also means togetherness, so the manager should be “trained” to recognize when some problems occur and to direct the employee to HR, but in such a way that employees don’t feel called out or judged when they need or ask for help.

Community Togetherness

When these situations do happen, it’s always a good idea to raise awareness about it in the community or establish organizations that take care of it (if they don’t already exist). HR can point you to existing ones or help start initiatives at least within the company.

Conclusion

Situations of elder abuse affect the victims the most because they usually can’t defend themselves and help themselves. Part of this stress is also transferred to loved ones or caregivers because they want to help their elderly, which affects their daily functioning and work.

Recognizing the signs and getting help in time is crucial in situations like this as they can prevent escalation and further, much bigger problems.

Employees within the company can contact the HR department, but who can YOU contact? Who can you go to?

Support organizations that deal with problems of any kind of abuse and never turn your back when someone needs help.

Guest writer.