Week 6 Assessment Of The Elderly Aging Resources Readings Pa

Week 6assessment Of The Elderlyagingresourcesreadings Paveza G J

Assess the psychosocial issues related to elder abuse, emphasizing the importance of assessment, prevention, and intervention strategies at micro, mezzo, and macro levels, supported by scholarly resources.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding elder abuse is a critical aspect of social work and gerontology, given its profound impact on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of older adults. Elder abuse encompasses a range of harmful behaviors, including physical, emotional, psychological, and economic mistreatment, often exacerbated by cognitive decline, social isolation, or dependency. As stipulated by Paveza (2013), comprehensive assessment of the elderly requires an understanding of their psychosocial environment, risk factors, and signs of abuse, which is vital for timely intervention and support.

A scholarly article by Cooper et al. (2009) delves into the prevalence of abuse among dementia-affected elders, highlighting that nearly half of this population experiences some form of maltreatment. The article underscores the complex psychosocial dynamics underpinning elder abuse, such as caregiver stress, family conflict, and social isolation, which complicate detection and intervention efforts. Recognizing these psychosocial issues is essential because they influence both the risk factors and the efficacy of intervention strategies. The article emphasizes the importance of assessing for potential abuse through clinical observation, caregiver reports, and environmental evaluations, supplemented by validated screening tools.

Prevention and intervention strategies must be multifaceted, addressing the problem at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. At the micro level, social workers should conduct thorough psychosocial assessments to identify at-risk elders and develop personalized care plans. This includes counseling, patient education on their rights and resources, and engaging trusted family or community members as protective factors. The article advocates for trauma-informed care approaches that prioritize safety and respect for the elder’s dignity, fostering trust and encouraging disclosure.

At the mezzo level, community-based programs can facilitate support groups, caregiver education, and training initiatives that reduce caregiver burnout, a significant risk factor for abuse. Collaboration among health care providers, social services, and legal entities can create a safety net that detects and responds swiftly to abuse incidents. For example, local elder protective services can implement multidisciplinary teams that share information and coordinate responses, thus strengthening community capacity to intervene effectively.

The macro level involves policy reforms, public awareness campaigns, and legislative action aimed at preventing elder abuse. The article highlights the role of legislation in establishing mandatory reporting laws, funding for elder abuse prevention programs, and public awareness campaigns like World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. These initiatives serve to educate society about elder abuse, promote reporting, and allocate resources to protective services. Policy advocacy is crucial to create systemic change and ensure sustained support for vulnerable older populations.

Furthermore, the article underscores that addressing elder abuse requires a holistic approach that encompasses cultural competency, economic support, and societal attitudes towards aging. For instance, public policies should promote age-friendly environments that reduce social isolation and provide accessible services. Training programs for professionals across sectors can enhance awareness and skills necessary to recognize and respond to elder abuse effectively.

In conclusion, the psychosocial dimensions of elder abuse necessitate a comprehensive assessment framework that informs targeted prevention and intervention at all societal levels. As highlighted by Cooper et al. (2009), early detection, community engagement, and effective policymaking are integral to safeguarding the dignity and well-being of older adults. Recognizing the signs of abuse and understanding the underlying psychosocial factors empower social workers and society at large to take proactive measures against this pervasive issue.

References

  • Cooper, C., Selwood, A., Blanchard, M., Walker, Z., Blizard, R., & Livingston, G. (2009). The prevalence of elder abuse: a review of research. Age and Ageing, 38(4), 482–488.
  • Harrington, A. (2016). The importance of spiritual assessment when caring for older adults. Ageing & Society, 36(1), 1-16.
  • Paveza, G. J. (2013). Assessment of the elderly. In M. J. Holosko, C. N. Dulmus, & K. M. Sowers (Eds.), Social work practice with individuals and families: Evidence-informed assessments and interventions (pp. 177–195). Wiley.
  • Wiglesworth, A., Mosqueda, L., Mulnard, R., Liao, S., Gibbs, L., & Fitzgerald, W. (2010). Elder mistreatment overview. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 22(1-2), 17-30.
  • Centers of Excellence on Elder Abuse & Neglect. (2013). Recognizing and Preventing Elder Abuse. Elder Justice Initiative. https://ncea.acl.gov
  • Christ, G., & Diwan, S. (2008). Chronic illness and aging: The role of social work in managing chronic illness care. CSWE Gero-Ed Center.
  • Research On Social Work Practice. (2017). Development of an instrument for assessing elder care needs. Social Work Practice, 27(3), 245-259.
  • Laureate Education. (2013). Petrakis family: Episode 3 [Video file].
  • Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (2014). Sessions: Case histories. Laureate International Universities Publishing.
  • Fahlström, G., Rönnbäck, E., Granberg, A., & Almborg, A. (2017). Development of an instrument for assessing elder care needs. Research on Social Work Practice, 27(3), 245–259.

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