Of course, there are different ranges and types of abuses.
Some, of them, are so horrific that they will make your hair stand on end; for example, being kicked or hit, or even worse, being sexually abused.
Others are not as terrible, but still bad enough to make the
disabled person realize, that she/he has lost all possibility to fend for
himself.
For example, let's say that the care provider acts as if
she/he does not hear what the patient is saying or asking for. Or, does things
differently than asked or instructed; or, takes time and delays doing what is requested. Or, simply ignores doing it. Any of those attitudes could create an
imbalance of power between the care provider and the disabled person.
Based on my own situation, I can tell you that my experiences
in dealing with caregivers have taught me that in truth, things are done the
way the caregiver chooses. I may lay out my instructions all I want. . . And they will
execute them to their convenience.
I have not suffered any horrible abuse, but I have learned to
wait, accept, adjust, take deep breaths and hold my temper, smile, and thank their attention always no matter what. In other words, to be 'the patient'! Ah, and let's not forget: be always ready to
pay. Pay as much as they demand because that is the only way a disabled person
can get some help.
Living with this reality harms the disabled
person's dignity and increases the feeling of helplessness, making the
dependent person feel end.
