Health Promotion and Prevention Mandates

Recommendations for Preventing and Addressing Abuse and Neglect of Older Adults

• Organizations/institutions with prevention and health promotion mandates should lead or participate in initiatives to prevent abuse and neglect of older adults.
• Organizations/institutions should identify and eliminate barriers that older adults and families may experience when accessing information and services related to abuse and neglect.
• Provincial and territorial nursing regulatory bodies should provide accurate information on jurisdictional laws and obligations relevant to abuse and neglect of older adults across the continuum of care.
• Governments should dedicate resources to effectively prevent and address abuse and neglect of older adults.

Types of Abuse and Neglect

• Physical abuse (e.g., slapping, pushing, inappropriate use of restraints)
• Emotional or psychological abuse (e.g., humiliating, threatening, treating like a child)
• Financial or material abuse (e.g., misusing power of attorney, stealing, selling personal belongings without consent)
• Sexual abuse (e.g., any unwanted sexual activity)
• Neglect (e.g., failing to provide for basic health or medical needs, abandonment)
• Other types and subtypes of abuse and neglect include violation of rights, systemic abuse, and spiritual abuse.

Prevalence of Abuse and Neglect

• The prevalence of abuse and neglect of older adults is unclear, with a reported range of 3.2% to 27.5%.
• One in four vulnerable older adults (i.e., those dependent on others for care) is at risk for abuse.
• In Canada, the prevalence of abuse and neglect is believed to be at least 4%.
• In institutional settings, the extent of abuse and neglect of older adults remains largely unknown, but research suggests it is a common occurrence.

Consequences of Abuse and Neglect

• Physical trauma, reduced self-worth and dignity, lost sense of safety and security, and increased risk of early death.
• Increased hospitalization and economic costs from investigation procedures, health-care interventions, law enforcement, and lost productivity.

Factors Contributing to Abuse and Neglect

• Power and control dynamics between individuals
• Caregiver stress
• Abusive behavior learned over time

Importance of Therapeutic Relationship and Client-Centred Care

• Establishing a therapeutic relationship with older adults and their family members is crucial.
• Therapeutic communication involves strategies such as establishing rapport, active listening, and adapting communication style.
• Client-centred care involves advocacy, empowerment, and respecting the client's autonomy, voice, self-determination, and participation in decision-making.