Elder abuse refers to intentional or neglectful acts causing harm or distress to vulnerable older person, usually someone aged 60+ by a caregiver or trusted individual. This can occur at home, in the community, or in institutional settings. (en.wikipedia.org)
Types of Elder Abuse
According to the World Health Organization and medical experts, the common types of elder abuse include:
- Physical: hitting, pushing, inappropriate restraint
- Emotional/Psychological: humiliation, verbal threats, social isolation
- Financial: theft, misuse of pensions or property
- Neglect: failing to provide food, medication, hygiene or care
- Sexual: any non-consensual sexual contact
These often overlap in real-life scenarios. (en.wikipedia.org, my.clevelandclinic.org, researchgate.net)
Abusers may be:
- Family members: adult children or spouses, often in positions of trust
- Caregivers: paid or unpaid, including those in care homes
- Others in authority: neighbours, friends, healthcare staff (en.wikipedia.org)
In Ghana, both relatives and institutional caregivers have been implicated. (ingentaconnect.com)
Some mental conditions make older adults vulnerable to abuse. These conditions can impair judgment, memory, communication, or behaviour, making the person more dependent or less able to report mistreatment.
Dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease)
Dementia is a syndrome characterized by a progressive decline in brain functioning, leading to impairments in memory, thinking, and other cognitive abilities. It’s not a single disease, but rather an umbrella term for various conditions that damage the brain. Symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of dementia
It increases vulnerability because;
- It Causes memory loss, confusion, and difficulty communication.
- The person may not recognize abuse or remember it happened.
- The person may be seen as “not credible” when they report abuse.
Signs & Symptoms
- Memory loss (especially short-term)
- Confusion about time or place
- Difficulty communicating clearly
- Mood swings or personality changes
- Wandering or getting lost
- Self-neglect
Depression
Depression is a common and serious mental disorder that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. It’s characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and other symptoms that can interfere with daily life
Why it increases vulnerability:
- Can lead to withdrawal, lack of motivation, and feelings of worthlessness.
- May not seek help or speak up when abused.
- May be misinterpreted as just being “sad” or “old age.”
Signs & Symptoms:
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Loss of interest in activities
- Fatigue or sleep changes
- Hopelessness or thoughts of death
- Social withdrawal
- Suicidal thoughts.
Delirium
Delirium is a serious change in mental abilities. It results in confused thinking and a lack of awareness of someone’s surroundings. The disorder usually comes on fast — within hours or a few days
Why it increases vulnerability:
- Sudden confusion and disorientation make the person unable to understand or report abuse.
- May be mistaken for dementia or ignored.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Sudden onset of confusion
- Fluctuating awareness (clear one moment, confused the next)
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Restlessness or agitation
- Difficulty focusing attention
Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, and emotional responsiveness. It can manifest as positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, negative symptoms like reduced motivation and emotional expression, and cognitive impairments affecting various mental functions
Why it increases vulnerability:
- Hallucinations or delusions can make it hard to distinguish real threats.
- May be socially isolated or in institutions where abuse risk is higher.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Delusions (false beliefs)
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
- Disorganized thinking or speech
- Social withdrawal
- Flat affect (reduced emotional expression)
Intellectual Disabilities or Cognitive Impairment (non-dementia)
A cognitive impairment (also known as an intellectual disability) is a term used when a person has certain limitations in mental functioning and in skills such as communication, self-help, and social skills
Why it increases vulnerability:
- May not fully understand abuse or how to report it.
- Easily manipulated or coerced.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Difficulty with reasoning or decision-making
- Limited ability to communicate needs
- Dependence on caregivers
- Poor understanding of social cues
Signs of Elder Abuse
Be vigilant for:
Physical: unexplained bruises, cuts, swellings, fractures, poor hygiene
Emotional: sudden withdrawal, tearful, fearfulness or depression
Financial: missing money, unpaid bills despite resources
Neglect: malnutrition, reduce in weight, untreated injuries
Institutional red flags: lack of assistive aids, isolation, sudden mobility decline
Global comparison: Roughly 1 in 6 people aged 60+ experience abuse annually. (researchgate.net)
- Ghana-specific data:
- A 2020 survey at care facilities showed ~10% abuse prevalence in private homes and 28.8% in public facilities. (researchgate.net)
- Overall research notes that data is very limited; underreporting is rampant due to cultural silence. (ntnuopen.ntnu.no)
- Fatal incidents:
- Though recent elder-related deaths in Ghana aren’t well documented, tragic stories like that of Ama Hemmah, a 72-year‑old accused of witchcraft and burned alive in 2010, highlight extreme forms of abuse. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Trend insight: Without nationwide surveillance, it’s impossible to draw concrete trends from 2020 to 2025—but the known prevalence in institutions (10–29%) remains alarmingly high.
Effects:
- Health: higher risk of depression, anxiety, malnutrition, chronic illness and premature death—victims have a threefold higher risk of mortality.
- Psychosocial: isolation, loss of trust, diminished quality of life
Solutions:
- Prevention & education: Train caregivers and increase community awareness
- Stronger institutional oversight: Regular checks in care homes
- Legal enforcement: Enact Ghana’s Older Persons Act (2019) protections
- Support services: Hotlines, counselling, and legal aid for elders and families
- Community vigilance: Encourage neighbours and religious leaders to look out for elders
Where to Report or Seek Support
In Ghana, concerns can be directed to:
- Ghana Health Service or local clinics
- Ghana Social Protection under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
- Community chiefs, religious leaders, assembly members or local NGOs for first-line advocacy
- Police/Ghana Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) for legal intervention
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Observed every year on June 15, this day was designated by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse in 2006 to:
- Raise global awareness
- Advance research and policies
- Encourage communities to take action against elder abuse (news.dhs.maryland.gov, en.wikipedia.org)
Conclusion
Elder abuse in Ghana is a hidden epidemic—affecting up to one-third of elders in some settings, yet largely ignored. No reliable national data exists, but prevalence in homes and institutions remains concerning. It’s imperative that Ghanaian communities and African as a whole know:
| Action Area | Example |
| Detect | Look for signs like bruises or isolation |
| Report | Use local channels (police, clinics, NGOs) |
| Ensure Care | Support enforcement of elder rights |
| Advocate | Talk openly, reduce stigma by public education |
This June 15, Nourish your mother’s dignity and community duty—speak up, protect, and stand for our elders.
