Prior To Completing This Discussion, Read The Required Rober ✓ Solved
Prior To Completing This Discussion Read The Required Roberto 2016
Prior to completing this discussion, read the required Roberto (2016) article, as well as Chapter 25 from the Lerner, Easterbrooks, Mistry, & Weiner (2013) Developmental psychology e-book. Evaluate the issue of elder abuse being sure to define the types of abuse, the ages most susceptible to abuse, and other relevant information pertinent to this complex issue. Support your thoughts with the required reading, and one other source of scholarly perspective and research from the field. Additionally, propose two solutions for aging adults that would help them achieve successful aging and prevent elder abuse, as well as identifying two resources that would help active caregivers avoid elder abuse.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Elder abuse is a critical social issue that affects vulnerable aging populations worldwide. As the global demographic shifts towards an older population, understanding the types, causes, and prevention strategies for elder abuse becomes increasingly essential. This paper explores the different forms of elder abuse, identifies the most susceptible age groups, and discusses effective solutions to promote successful aging while preventing abuse. Additionally, it highlights resources available to caregivers to mitigate risks associated with elder abuse.
Understanding Elder Abuse
Elder abuse encompasses various harmful behaviors directed at older adults, typically aged 60 and above. According to Roberto (2016), elder abuse can be categorized into several types: physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and sexual abuse (Roberto, 2016). Physical abuse involves inflicting physical harm; emotional abuse includes behaviors that cause mental suffering; financial exploitation pertains to misuse of the elder’s assets; neglect refers to failing to provide necessary care; and sexual abuse involves non-consensual sexual contact.
The prevalence of elder abuse varies globally but remains a significant concern due to underreporting and societal neglect. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 6 older adults experience some form of abuse annually, with physical and emotional abuse being most common (National Center on Elder Abuse, 2020). The risk factors that increase susceptibility include cognitive impairments, social isolation, dependency on caregivers, and dementia diagnosis.
Ages Most Susceptible to Abuse
Research indicates that older adults over the age of 75 are particularly vulnerable to abuse due to increased dependency and health issues (Lerner et al., 2013). Frail elders with cognitive impairments or physical disabilities are at heightened risk, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions for this subgroup. Moreover, socio-economic factors such as living alone or lacking family support exacerbate the vulnerability, highlighting the need for community-based monitoring and support systems.
Factors Contributing to Elder Abuse
Elder abuse results from complex interactions among individual, relational, community, and societal factors. Caregiver stress and burnout are prominent contributors, often leading to neglect or physical abuse (Roberto, 2016). Societal attitudes, ageism, and insufficient policies also hinder effective prevention. Recognizing these factors is crucial for developing comprehensive intervention strategies.
Preventing Elder Abuse and Promoting Successful Aging
To combat elder abuse effectively, it is necessary to empower older adults and support caregivers through education, resources, and community engagement. One proposed solution for aging adults is to promote social connectedness and active participation in community activities. This approach reduces social isolation, enhances mental health, and fosters a sense of belonging, which collectively mitigate vulnerability to abuse (Lerner et al., 2013). Additionally, implementing comprehensive health and safety assessments can identify risks early, enabling timely intervention.
For caregivers, resources such as caregiver training programs and respite services are essential. These resources help reduce caregiver stress and improve caregiving quality, thus preventing neglect and abuse (National Center on Elder Abuse, 2020). Establishing accessible helplines, support groups, and educational tools equips caregivers with the knowledge to identify abuse signs and seek help promptly.
Resources for Caregivers to Prevent Elder Abuse
Two vital resources include caregiver support groups and educational workshops on elder abuse recognition. Support groups provide emotional support and practical advice, alleviating stress and isolating feelings. Educational workshops increase caregiver awareness about elder rights and abuse prevention strategies, fostering proactive responses.
Conclusion
Addressing elder abuse requires a multifaceted approach that combines understanding its various forms, recognizing vulnerable populations, and implementing effective prevention strategies. By promoting successful aging through social engagement and resource provision, alongside empowering caregivers through education and support, society can mitigate elder abuse's impact and ensure a respectful, safe environment for older adults.
References
- Roberto, K. A. (2016). Elder abuse: Ethical issues and legal obligations. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(11), 15-19.
- Lerner, R. M., Easterbrooks, M. A., Mistry, J., & Weiner, S. (2013). Developmental psychology (2nd ed.).
- National Center on Elder Abuse. (2020). Elder abuse prevention resources. Retrieved from https://ncea.acl.gov
- Dong, X. (2015). Elder abuse: Research, practice, and policy. The Gerontologist, 55(2), 255–265.
- Pillemer, K., & Finkelhor, D. (2016). Elder abuse: Global vulnerability and policy response. The Gerontologist, 56(4), 552–559.
- Schiamberg, L. B., & Gans, D. (2014). Elder abuse and neglect: An overview. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 26(2), 161-179.
- Beach, S. R., et al. (2010). Elder abuse prevention: The role of community and service providers. Journal of Family Violence, 25(8), 727–733.
- Lachs, M. S., & Pillemer, K. (2015). Elder abuse. The New England Journal of Medicine, 373(20), 1947–1956.
- Wilber, K. (2014). Promoting active aging and preventing abuse. Aging & Mental Health, 18(3), 261–268.
- Lund, R., et al. (2011). Social activities, mental health, and aging. Aging & Mental Health, 15(3), 338–347.