Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which action is a clear indication of financial abuse?
Which action is a clear indication of financial abuse?
What is a common sign indicating potential financial abuse in an older adult?
What is a common sign indicating potential financial abuse in an older adult?
Which of the following demonstrates a potential legal protection for older adults against financial abuse?
Which of the following demonstrates a potential legal protection for older adults against financial abuse?
What might indicate that an older adult is a victim of financial abuse?
What might indicate that an older adult is a victim of financial abuse?
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Which action can be considered financial abuse involving coercion?
Which action can be considered financial abuse involving coercion?
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What is a common sign of abuse in older adults that nurses should be aware of?
What is a common sign of abuse in older adults that nurses should be aware of?
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Which of the following actions should a nurse take if they suspect an older adult is a victim of abuse?
Which of the following actions should a nurse take if they suspect an older adult is a victim of abuse?
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How should nurses educate older adults to handle scam calls?
How should nurses educate older adults to handle scam calls?
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What is a primary characteristic of resident-to-resident abuse?
What is a primary characteristic of resident-to-resident abuse?
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What might indicate a family member's change in normal behavior regarding an older adult?
What might indicate a family member's change in normal behavior regarding an older adult?
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Which factor increases the risk of elder abuse among older adults?
Which factor increases the risk of elder abuse among older adults?
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Which of the following should be part of an assessment for abuse in older adults?
Which of the following should be part of an assessment for abuse in older adults?
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What is a risk factor that could suggest someone is vulnerable to scams?
What is a risk factor that could suggest someone is vulnerable to scams?
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What nursing intervention is essential when dealing with incidents of resident-to-resident abuse?
What nursing intervention is essential when dealing with incidents of resident-to-resident abuse?
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What should be considered if law enforcement needs to be involved when abuse is suspected?
What should be considered if law enforcement needs to be involved when abuse is suspected?
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Which of the following types of abuse typically occurs within a therapeutic relationship?
Which of the following types of abuse typically occurs within a therapeutic relationship?
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What percentage of residents experience some form of resident-to-resident abuse according to recent studies?
What percentage of residents experience some form of resident-to-resident abuse according to recent studies?
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What is a necessary step before buying or investing for older adults to avoid scams?
What is a necessary step before buying or investing for older adults to avoid scams?
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Which legal protection specifically aims to address elder abuse in older adults?
Which legal protection specifically aims to address elder abuse in older adults?
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What is a common sign of abuse in older adults?
What is a common sign of abuse in older adults?
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What role do cognitive impairments play in elder abuse?
What role do cognitive impairments play in elder abuse?
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Flashcards
Financial Abuse Definition
Financial Abuse Definition
Acting without the older person's consent, benefiting the abuser at the older person's expense through threats, intimidation, or deceit.
Financial Abuse Actions
Financial Abuse Actions
Misuse of power of attorney, theft, misusing funds, pressuring for financial support, signing documents, overcharging for services, not relaying loans, pressuring for property transfer.
Financial Abuse Indications
Financial Abuse Indications
Inconsistent lifestyle, theft or missing property, unusual bank activity, forged signatures, overdue bills, missing mail.
Power of Attorney Misuse
Power of Attorney Misuse
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Elder Financial Abuse
Elder Financial Abuse
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Scam Prevention for Seniors
Scam Prevention for Seniors
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Recognizing Abuse Signs
Recognizing Abuse Signs
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Immediate Safety of Victim
Immediate Safety of Victim
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Interprofessional Approach
Interprofessional Approach
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Reporting Suspected Abuse
Reporting Suspected Abuse
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Respecting Senior Autonomy
Respecting Senior Autonomy
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Law Enforcement Involvement
Law Enforcement Involvement
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Privacy and Consent
Privacy and Consent
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Institutional Abuse
Institutional Abuse
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Resident-to-Resident Abuse
Resident-to-Resident Abuse
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Staff-to-Resident Abuse
Staff-to-Resident Abuse
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Resident Risk Factors (Abuse)
Resident Risk Factors (Abuse)
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Abuse Prevention
Abuse Prevention
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Power Dynamics (Abuse)
Power Dynamics (Abuse)
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Reporting Abuse
Reporting Abuse
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Therapeutic Relationship (Abuse)
Therapeutic Relationship (Abuse)
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Study Notes
Elder Abuse in Canada
- Elder abuse is defined as "any action by someone in a relationship of trust that results in harm or distress to an older person. Neglect is a lack of action by that person in a relationship of trust with the same result."
- Elder abuse encompasses physical, emotional, financial, sexual abuse and neglect.
- Common forms of elder abuse in Canada are emotional and financial.
- Approximately 5-10% of older adults in Canada have experienced some form of abuse.
- Prevalence of elder abuse is difficult to distinguish as it is frequently under-reported.
- Many older adults do not participate in surveys related to elder abuse due to difficulties in defining and measuring it. Older adults are less likely to report abuse.
Learning Objectives
- Identify key indicators of physical, emotional, financial and sexual abuse of the older adult.
- Describe the nurse's role in identifying and addressing elder abuse.
- Describe how to advocate for an older adult experiencing elder abuse.
- Explore online and community resources related to elder abuse.
Stats & Trends
- Most instances of elder abuse are committed by family members.
- Older women experience abuse more than older men.
- Older women usually experience abuse by spouses and children, while older men are often abused by children and close friends.
- Individuals with cognitive impairment are at higher risk for abuse than those who are not cognitively impaired.
Impact of Elder Abuse
- Consequences of elder abuse include physical trauma, diminished self-worth, reports of feeling unsafe, and an increased risk of early death or increased hospitalization.
- Older adults can experience increased economic costs, exposure to additional health interventions and lost productivity.
- Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse and neglect.
Types of Abuse
Physical Abuse
- Definition: Using physical force against a person without consent, causing injury or impairment.
- Actions: Hitting, punching, slapping, pushing, biting, throwing, burning, confinement (including unnecessary restraints), throwing objects
- Indications: Unexplained injuries, untreated medical problems, history of "accidents", signs of medication overuse or underuse, wasting, dehydration.
Emotional Abuse
- Definition: Using words or actions to control, frighten, isolate, or erode a person's self-respect.
- Actions: Threatening, blaming, insulting, lying, deciding what a person can or cannot do, not keeping promises, humiliation, alienation, making fun of heritage, traditions, or beliefs, constant yelling.
- Indications: Fear, anxiety, withdrawal, depression, cowering, reluctance to talk openly, fearful interaction with caregivers, family or caregivers talking on behalf of the person, and not allowing privacy.
Financial Abuse
- Definition: Acting without the older person's consent in a way that benefits the abuser at the expense of the older person through threats, intimidation, or deceit.
- Actions: Misusing power of attorney, theft, misusing control over funds, pressuring for financial support, making the person sign legal documents, overcharging for services, failing to relay loans, pressuring to sign over property.
- Indications: Inconsistent standard of living with income or assets, theft or missing property, unusual or inappropriate activity in bank accounts, forged signatures, overdue bills, missing mail.
Neglect
- Definition: Failing to provide necessities of care for a dependent, older person.
- Actions: Failing to provide adequate nutrition, personal care, clean, warm, safe environment, withholding medical services or treatments, failing to provide proper needed supervision, failing to prevent physical harm.
- Indications: Unkempt appearance, inappropriate or dirty clothing, signs of infrequent bathing, unhealthy living conditions, dangers or disrepair in home, hoarding, lack of social contact, no regular health care appointments.
Sexual Abuse
- Definition: Direct or indirect involvement in sexual activity without consent.
- Actions: Coercing an older person through force, trickery, threats, or other means into unwanted sexual activity, victimization of older adults unable to consent.
- Indications: Pain, bruising, bleeding in the genital area.
Scams Targeting Older Adults
- Scams play on the emotions and fears of older adults.
- Older adults are often targeted due to their trust, politeness, and because they often have money and assets.
- Resist pressure to act immediately.
- Watch out for products promoted as "prizes" or "free trips."
- Check with family, friends, or legal counsel before investing or buying.
- Do not give out financial information over the phone unless you are extremely sure about the recipient.
- Beware of links and emails, always check and validate with the sender separately.
Nursing Assessment & Implications
- Nurses must be sensitive to signs of abuse in interactions with older adults.
- Unexplained bruising, fractures, missed appointments, changes in normal behaviour of family members warrant scrutiny.
- Assessments need to focus on immediate safety of the victim.
- Consider the victim's desires and available support where applicable.
Suspected Abuse
- When suspected or confirmed abuse, utilize an interprofessional approach.
- Consider if law enforcement involvement is necessary.
- Assess if criminal code violations exist.
- Adhere to mandatory reporting laws and jurisdictional guidelines.
- Respect capable adults' wishes regarding reporting.
RNAO Decision Tree
- Tailored to types of abuse, sector, and care provider scope.
- Collaborate with older adults and families (if appropriate) when making decisions.
- Follow institutional policies for reporting procedures.
Capable Older Adults
- Reporting abuse may be inappropriate when the individual is capable and can make decisions.
- Respecting an older adult's right to confidentiality is essential.
- Prioritize supporting the older adult to come to a decision, provide options, and resources, but do not make decisions for them.
Community Resources
- Contact information for Seniors' Safety, Seniors' Support Coordinator, and Seniors CRIMESTOPPERS are provided.
Institutional Abuse
- Institutional abuse involves abuse occurring within health care institutions.
- Types of institutional abuse: resident-to-resident abuse, and staff-to-resident abuse.
Resident-to-Resident Abuse
- Recent studies indicate approximately 41% of residents experience this issue.
- Abuse potential exists, but the power dynamics differ from other forms of abuse.
- Abuse often does not occur within a therapeutic relationship..
- High risk residents are typically female with cognitive impairment, wandering, and mobility concerns.
Staff-to-Resident Abuse
- Staff factors can influence abuse. Burnout, turnover, poor leadership, and poor working conditions increase risk.
- Residents at risk include those with aggressive or responsive behaviour, dependency, social isolation, impaired communication, and history of abuse.
- Resident-staff abuse commonly occurs within a vulnerable relationship
Nursing Implications
- Establish healthy workplace environments.
- Nurses need ongoing training on elder abuse prevention and assessment .
Mandatory Reporting
- Reporting is part of staff obligations of Long Term Care facilities.
- Staff must report abuse to their supervisor, and then the MOHLTC and/or police.
- Whistleblower protections are necessary.
Video
- A video link is provided.
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Description
This quiz focuses on elder abuse defined as actions by trusted individuals that harm older adults, including various forms such as emotional and financial abuse. Participants will learn to identify key indicators of abuse and discuss the role of nurses in advocacy. Understand the prevalence and under-reporting issues associated with elder abuse in Canada.
