Alarming Rise in Violence and Neglect of Elderly with Dementia at Home

Recent research highlights a troubling issue in Norway concerning the treatment of elderly individuals living with dementia. Although policies advocate for aging at home to promote independence, they have inadvertently placed much of the caregiving burden on exhausted family members and informal caregivers. A recent doctoral dissertation from NTNU reveals that over 500 caregivers have reported engaging in acts of violence, abuse, or neglect toward seniors with dementia, with two-thirds admitting to having committed at least one such act within the past year. These acts span psychological abuse, physical violence, financial exploitation, sexual acts, and neglect. Psychological abuse was the most common, involving humiliating, threatening, or isolating the elderly, while physical and financial abuses, as well as neglect, are also prevalent.

Disturbingly, some caregivers also report being subjected to aggression from the seniors they care for, indicating a bidirectional dynamic of violence. The study emphasizes that caregivers often struggle with their own health issues and high stress levels, which, coupled with challenging behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, intensify the caregiving burden. Many caregivers experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, raising concerns about their mental health.

Experts highlight systemic flaws, including underfunding and lack of adequate services, such as sufficient round-the-clock care facilities. It is projected that Norway's elderly population will surge in the coming decades, with the number of individuals over 80 expected to grow significantly, along with the prevalence of dementia. The existing capacity for elder care is inadequate, and the reduction in nursing home spaces exacerbates the situation.

To combat these issues, there is a call for increased municipal funding and the establishment of dedicated support roles, such as dementia-aware contact persons, to help reduce the risk of abuse. The study underscores that systemic failure and underfunding are at the root of the problem. Improving support systems and resources for caregivers is crucial to protecting vulnerable seniors and ensuring quality care.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-elderly-people-dementia-subjected-violence.html