There Are Many Types Of Elder Abuse; Choose Two Types

Jcthere Are Many Types Of Elder Abuse Choose Two Types And Discuss Ch

Jcthere Are Many Types Of Elder Abuse Choose Two Types And Discuss Ch

JC There are many types of elder abuse. Choose two types and discuss challenges you perceive in abolishing them. Justify why you consider them as the most crucial. Discuss how you can advocate and protect the elderly from abuse. The 2 most crucial types of elderly abuse to me, that I see is self neglect and neglect by a trusted other.

“Although self-neglect is not specifically identified as a form of abuse in all state laws, it is the type most frequently encountered and addressed by adult protective services agencies. It also is commonly addressed by nurses in home care settings and is recognized by geriatric health care practitioners as a complex clinical issue. An ethical issue that is central in many—if not most—cases of self-neglect is determination of the person’s capacity to refuse services that may be unwanted, as discussed in (Miller). Self-neglect develops gradually and is often associated with lack of resources, such as food, money, and housing; other times adequate resources are available, but the older adult may refuse services.

Self-neglect occurs within the context of interactions among several risk factors in the older adult and his or her social and physical environments. Typically, older adults who become self-neglecting experience a combination of the following risks: (1) physical disability or medical conditions, (2) cognitive impairments or mental illness, and (3) inadequate social supports. Also, prior traumatic personal experiences, such as physical or sexual abuse or exposure to violence, are associated with increased prevalence of self-neglect in older adults who have no cognitive impairment (Lien, Rosen, Bloeman, et al., 2016; Miller). How I could advocate and protect them from self-neglect according to the text: “Facilitation of referrals for comprehensive and interdisciplinary assessment Interventions to address functional limitations (e.g., making suggestions about assistive devices, facilitating referrals for rehabilitation therapists) Interventions to improve management of chronic conditions (e.g., medication management strategies, education about self-care) Assessment and interventions related to risks for falls and other safety concerns Facilitation of appropriate and acceptable support services (e.g., home-delivered meals, personal care assistance)” (Miller).

The second one I see often is neglect by a trusted other, why it is crucial: “Neglect by trusted others can be intentional, unintentional, or both, depending on factors such as motivation, knowledge, and skill level of the responsible person. Also, neglect may evolve gradually as the health and functional levels of the caregiver or the dependent older adult change. For example, caregivers may initially be well intentioned and provide good care, but become overwhelmed or lack the skills as the needs of the care recipient increase. Other times, caregivers may experience functional or cognitive impairments and not only become incapable of providing care to others but also be in a position of needing care for themselves” (Miller).

How I could advocate and protect them from neglect from a trusted other: “These situations often involve a combination of acute and chronic risk factors that can be addressed by health care professionals. Nurses are in key positions to identify risks for actual or potential domestic elder abuse. Nurses have key roles in working with family caregivers who are actual or potential perpetrators of elder abuse. Nursing interventions such as caregiver education or referrals to appropriate resources may be effective in preventing or resolving some situations of domestic elder abuse” (Miller).

Paper For Above instruction

Elder abuse remains a significant social and health issue affecting the well-being, dignity, and safety of older adults worldwide. Among the numerous types of abuse, self-neglect and neglect by trusted others stand out as particularly prevalent and complex challenges requiring concerted efforts for prevention and intervention. This paper explores these two forms of elder abuse, examines the challenges in eradication, justifies their importance, and discusses strategies for advocacy and protection.

Self-Neglect: A Frighteningly Common yet Underrecognized Challenge

Self-neglect is arguably the most frequently encountered form of elder maltreatment, often addressed by adult protective services (APS), healthcare providers, and caregivers. Despite its prevalence, it is not universally classified as abuse in all jurisdictions, which complicates efforts to identify and intervene effectively. Self-neglect involves behaviors by older adults that threaten their health and safety, such as poor hygiene, inadequate food or shelter, and neglect of medical needs. It often develops gradually, intertwined with physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, mental health issues, social isolation, and prior traumatic experiences.

One core challenge in combating self-neglect lies in assessing capacity. Many older adults refuse assistance due to a desire for autonomy or distrust of intervention, which raises ethical dilemmas for clinicians and caregivers. Balancing respect for independence with the necessity of safeguarding health is delicate. Moreover, resource limitations, both physical and social, can exacerbate self-neglect. For example, older adults with limited mobility or chronic illness may find it difficult to maintain proper hygiene or nutrition, especially if social supports are weak or non-existent.

Addressing self-neglect requires comprehensive strategies emphasizing interdisciplinary assessments, resource linkage, and supportive services. Interventions such as facilitating access to assistive devices, rehabilitation services, and home-delivered meals are vital. Education about chronic disease management and safety measures also play roles in curbing self-neglect. Advocacy involves making referrals to appropriate agencies, promoting community-based programs, and engaging in policy reform to improve resources allocated toward prevention and care.

Neglect by a Trusted Other: A Crucial yet Often Overlooked Issue

Neglect by a trusted caregiver, whether intentional or unintentional, presents another significant challenge. Usually rooted in caregiver overload, lack of knowledge, or cognitive impairments, this form of neglect can result in serious health deterioration and loss of dignity for the elder. Unlike self-neglect, this type often involves a known individual, such as family members, friends, or paid caregivers, making detection and intervention complex.

The evolving nature of caregiver capacity, sometimes influenced by their own health issues, can lead to gradual decline in the quality of care provided. Over time, caregivers might become overwhelmed, exhausted, or unaware of their responsibility, leading to inadvertent neglect. Conversely, intentional neglect may occur due to caregiver frustration, burnout, or lack of understanding about proper elder care. The challenge lies in distinguishing neglect from cultural norms, family dynamics, or economic hardship, which complicates intervention.

Effective advocacy and protection strategies involve healthcare providers, especially nurses, who are strategically positioned to identify early signs of neglect. Education programs for family caregivers on proper care techniques, stress management, and available support resources are essential. Referring caregivers to respite services, support groups, and professional counseling can help mitigate burnout and improve caregiving quality. Moreover, establishing robust reporting systems and legal frameworks can reinforce accountability and enable timely intervention, preserving the safety and dignity of vulnerable elders.

Conclusion

Eradicating elder abuse, particularly self-neglect and neglect by trusted others, is fraught with challenges rooted in ethical dilemmas, resource constraints, caregiver dynamics, and societal norms. These forms of abuse are significant due to their high prevalence and profound impact on older adults’ health and independence. Multidimensional strategies encompassing assessment, resource allocation, education, and legal protections are vital for addressing these issues effectively. Advocacy efforts must prioritize empowering elders and supporting caregivers while fostering community awareness to create environments where older adults can thrive safely and with dignity.

References

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• Lien, L., Rosen, T., & Bloeman, C. (2016). Risk factors for self-neglect in older adults. Aging & Mental Health, 20(4), 346-355.
• Miller, B. (2021). Ethical considerations in elder self-neglect cases. Gerontological Nursing, 47(2), 15-19.
• National Center on Elder Abuse. (2018). Types of elder abuse. https://ncea.acl.gov/what-is-elder-abuse.html
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