Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following are considered types of elder abuse? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are considered types of elder abuse? (Select all that apply)
Elder abuse is primarily committed by individuals outside the family circle.
Elder abuse is primarily committed by individuals outside the family circle.
False
The most common forms of elder abuse in Canada are emotional and financial abuse.
The most common forms of elder abuse in Canada are emotional and financial abuse.
True
Elder abuse is less likely to occur when a person is cognitively impaired.
Elder abuse is less likely to occur when a person is cognitively impaired.
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Elder abuse is a public health issue that requires multifaceted approaches to address effectively.
Elder abuse is a public health issue that requires multifaceted approaches to address effectively.
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Scams, a form of financial abuse, are more likely to target older adults because they are often considered less tech-savvy.
Scams, a form of financial abuse, are more likely to target older adults because they are often considered less tech-savvy.
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In a healthcare institution, resident-to-resident abuse can occur within the context of a therapeutic relationship.
In a healthcare institution, resident-to-resident abuse can occur within the context of a therapeutic relationship.
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Staff-to-resident abuse is more likely to happen in institutions that have strong leadership, adequate staffing, and effective communication channels.
Staff-to-resident abuse is more likely to happen in institutions that have strong leadership, adequate staffing, and effective communication channels.
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What are some of the potential impacts of elder abuse on victims?
What are some of the potential impacts of elder abuse on victims?
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What are some of the key factors that contribute to elder abuse in an institutional setting?
What are some of the key factors that contribute to elder abuse in an institutional setting?
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What are two important considerations for nurses when working with potentially vulnerable older adults?
What are two important considerations for nurses when working with potentially vulnerable older adults?
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What are the roles of staff members in the mandatory reporting process?
What are the roles of staff members in the mandatory reporting process?
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Study Notes
Elder Abuse in Canada
- Elder abuse encompasses any action, or inaction by someone in a trusted relationship, causing harm or distress to an older adult.
- Neglect is a form of elder abuse involving a lack of action by a trusted person.
- Common forms in Canada include emotional and financial abuse.
- Approximately 5-10% of Canadian older adults have experienced some form of abuse.
- Abuse by family members is a common factor.
- Older women experience abuse more frequently than older men.
Impact of Elder Abuse
- Consequences include physical trauma, loss of self-worth, fear of unsafe environments, and increased risk of early death.
- Increased costs associated with hospitalization, healthcare interventions, and lost productivity.
Types of Abuse
Physical Abuse
- Definition: Using physical force against someone without consent, causing pain, injuries or impairment.
- Actions: Hitting, punching, slapping, burning, confining, throwing objects.
- Indications: Unexplained injuries, untreated medical issues, frequent "accidents," signs of medication misuse, wasting or dehydration.
Emotional Abuse
- Definition: Using words or actions to control, frighten, isolate or diminish a person's self-respect.
- Actions: Threatening, blaming, insulting, lying, making decisions for the older adult, refusing to keep promises, humiliating, alienating others.
- Indications: Fear, anxiety, withdrawal, depression, reluctance to talk openly, cowering, apprehensive interactions with caregivers.
Financial Abuse
- Definition: Acting without consent that benefits the abuser at the expense of the older adult, via threats, intimidation, or deception.
- Actions: Misusing power of attorney, theft, misusing funds, pressuring financial support, forcing signing of documents, overcharging for services.
- Indications: Inconsistent living standards, missing property, unusual bank account activity, forged signatures, overdue bills, missing mail.
Neglect
- Definition: Failing to provide necessary care for a dependent or older person.
- Actions: Inadequate nutrition, personal care, failure to ensure safe environment, withholding medical treatment, inadequate supervision.
- Indications: Unkempt appearance, inappropriate/dirty clothing, infrequent bathing, unhealthy living conditions, disrepair in home environment, hoarding, lack of social contact, irregular healthcare appointments.
Sexual Abuse
- Definition: Direct or indirect involvement in sexual activity without consent.
- Actions: Coercion through force, trickery, threats into unwanted sexual activity.
- Indications: Pain, bruising, bleeding in the genital area.
Scams
- Scams target older adults due to accessibility, trust, and assets.
- Education: Avoid impulsive decisions, be wary of "prizes/free trips," and verify purchases/investments with trusted parties. Do not provide personal information over the phone.
Nursing Assessment and Implications
- Assess for elder abuse with sensitivity and alertness.
- Be mindful of hearing/language barriers and cultural/religious values when interviewing older adults.
- Build trust with a relaxed approach.
- Consider possible inconsistencies in the interview.
- Use "I" messages, be specific and nonjudgmental.
- Provide support and options, but avoid giving advice.
- Nurses should be aware of local resources available to help mitigate elder abuse issues.
Assessment of Abuse
- Nurses should be sensitive to signs of abuse.
- Look for unexplained bruising, fractures, injuries, missed appointments, unusual family behavior, and discrepancies in the patient's statements.
- Assess the immediate safety and capacity of the older adult.
Capable Older Adults
- Reporting abuse/neglect may be inappropriate, without consent.
- Other support options for mentally capable older adults should be explored (e.g., emotional support, referrals).
Institutional Abuse
- Abuse within institutions (e.g., LTC homes, hospitals).
- Two main categories: resident-to-resident and staff-to-resident abuse
- Resident to Resident Abuse: potential harm to both residents, can occur outside of a therapeutic relationship.
- Staff to Resident Abuse: abuse within a trusting therapeutic relationship impacting resident safety and well-being. Contributing factors include organizational issues (poor leadership/inadequate staffing) internal staff problems (burnout, stress, lack of experience, ageism), and resident behavior (communication problems).
Mandatory Reporting
- Staff members must report suspected abuse of residents to their supervisors.
- Whistleblower protection policies should exist.
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Description
This quiz explores the various forms of elder abuse in Canada, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse. It highlights the prevalence, impact, and specific challenges faced by older adults in this context. Test your knowledge on this important and sensitive issue affecting many individuals across the country.
