HDFS 2720 final

older adult abuse defined as

non-accidental action or failure to take necessary action, that results in real or potential harm to an older adult

factors that put seniors at a higher risk for older adult abuse

1. poor health

2. preparedness, state, and well-being of the caregiver

3. relationship changes

4. financial changes

5. living arrangements

6. risks that are unique to institutions

poor health of the older adult

poor physical health

poor memory or dementia

poor mental health or diagnose of mental health

trendies toward challenging behavior

preparedness, state, and wellbeing of the caregiver

poor training or understanding of the adult’s conditions, needs ir how to perform necessary care

poor health of the caregiver

hesitance to accept help

poor coping skills

alcohol or drug misuse

poor self-care habits

difficulty sleeping

relationship challenges

family history of abuse

past or current volatile emotions, relationships, or behaviors

financial challenges

older adult or caregiver is financially dependent on each other

limited funds

living arrangements

older adult is living with an unprepared caregiver

isolated living situation

poor social support

few assistive resources

risks unique to institutions

poor staff training

chronic staffing problems or overworked staff

staff burnout

stressful working conditions

low standard of care

poor administrative oversight

the physical environment is unclean, unkempt, uncomfortable, or in disrepair

7 types of older adult abuse

physical, sexual, emotional, financial, neglect, abandonment, self-neglect

older adult physical abuse

involves causing physical harm or injury to an older adult, including hitting, kicking, or restraining them.

can result in bruises, cuts, sprains, fractures, or other physical injuries

older adult sexual abuse

includes non-consensual sexual contact with an older adult. it can also include forcing an older adult ti undress or watch sexually explicit materials.

unclear on if a person with dementia is able to consent to sexual activity

older adult emotional abuse

includes emotionally distressing activity such as yelling, threatening, intimidating, ignoring or using hurtful words

isolating the older adult from their friends or family members

senior financial abuse

all kinds of misuse of an older adults money or property

healthcare fraud

a specific type if financial abuse that occurs when healthcare providers engage in unscrupulous activity such as billing for services not performed, or prescribing inappropriate treatment for their own gain.

older adult neglect

when a caregiver fails to fulfill their obligations to meet an older adults needs

either passively or willfull

older adult abandonment

occurs when a caregiver assumes responsibility for care or custody of an older adult and then leaves them without arranging appropriate replacement care

older adult self neglect

occurs when a older adult fails to meet his/ her own needs