Elderly Abuse and Neglect

Question description

Elder Abuse and Neglect

Elder Abuse and Neglect: You work as a charge nurse in the emergency room. An elderly woman arrives with bruises on her upper torso and down her left arm. Her grandson, who lives with her, brought her in to be checked out because he believes she may have fractured her wrist when she fell on the last step going down into the cellar to do laundry. He appears to be very stressed and mentions that his grandmother has Alzheimer’s disease. When you enter the patient’s name and demographic information into the electronic medical record, it shows that the patient had a concussion two weeks ago. The Elder Abuse and Neglect assignment is comprised of this case.

Instructions for Elder Abuse and Neglect :

1. Read the scenario above and answer the following question on Elder Abuse and Neglect:
   1. How would you assess the situation?
   2. What nursing interventions would you utilize to help both the elderly woman and the grandson?
2. Your paper should be:
   • One (1) page or more.
   • Use factual information from the textbook and/or appropriate articles and websites.

What is the difference between elder abuse and neglect?

Physical, mental, or sexual violence to an older adult, financial exploitation, or neglect of their wellbeing by those who are directly accountable for their care are all examples of elder abuse. Every year, over half a million reports of elder abuse reach authorities in the United States, with millions more cases going undetected.

 

As people get older, they’re less able to care for themselves, stand up to bullying, or defend themselves if they’re attacked. For people who live with them, mental or physical illnesses can make them more difficult companions. And they may not be able to see, hear, or think as clearly as they once did, leaving them vulnerable to unscrupulous persons.

 

Adult children, other family members such as grandkids, or a spouse or partner are frequently the perpetrators of elder abuse at the senior’s home. Institutionalized elder abuse, particularly in long-term care homes, is a possibility.

 

It’s critical to speak up if you feel an older person is being financially exploited by a careless or overwhelmed caregiver. Everyone has the right to live in peace, decency, and respect. These tips can assist you in recognizing the indicators of elder abuse, comprehending the risk factors, and learning how to prevent and report the situation.

An illustration of elder mistreatment

 

You’ve known an older neighbor for years, and you’ve talked with him at civic meetings and block parties. You slow down and welcome her at the mailbox when you see her going up the street to receive her mail. She greets you with a cautious greeting, as if she doesn’t recognize you.

 

You inquire about a bruising on her forearm. Oh, it was just an accident, she says; the car door shut on it. She hastily bids her goodbyes and comes home.

 

Something about her isn’t quite right. You recall the bruising and her jittery demeanor. You figure she’s getting on in years; perhaps her head is fogging up.

 

But there’s another problem—something isn’t quite right.

Abuse of the elderly can take many forms.

 

Elder abuse can take many different forms, including intimidation or threats against the elderly, neglect, and financial deception.

 

The following are the most common:

Abuse of the elderly via physical means

 

The use of force against an aged person that is not accidental and results in bodily pain, harm, or impairment. Abuse can take many forms, including physical assaults such striking or shoving, as well as the misuse of medicines, restraints, or incarceration.

 

[Read: Domestic Abuse and Violence]

Abuse of the elderly on an emotional level

 

Treatment of an elderly person in ways that create emotional or psychological suffering, such as:

 

Threats or screaming are used to intimidate others.

Embarrassment and mockery.

Blaming or scapegoating on a regular basis.

Ignoring the older individual.

Isolating an elderly person from his or her acquaintances and hobbies.

Terrorizing or threatening the elderly.

 

Abuse of the elderly by men

 

Without their permission, make contact with an old person. Sexual elder abuse can include physical sex acts, but it can also include behaviors like showing an elderly person pornographic material, forcing the senior to witness sex acts, or forcing the elder to strip.

 

[Read: Recovering from Sexual Trauma and Rape]

Exploitation of the financial system

 

Unauthorized use of an old person’s funds or property by a caregiver or a third-party con artist.

 

A shady caregiver might do the following:

 

Use an elder’s own checks, credit cards, or bank accounts for your own gain.

Steal money, checks, or home items.

Forge the signature of the elder.

Attempt to steal someone’s identity.

 

The following are examples of common scams that target the elderly:

 

An announcement is made that the old person has won a “prize,” but that they must pay money to claim it.

False charities.

Investing swindle.

 

Abuse and fraud in the healthcare system

 

Executed by unscrupulous doctors, nurses, hospital staff, and other health-care professionals. This can include things like:

 

It is not about giving healthcare, but rather about charging for it.

Medical care or services are overcharged or double-billed.

Getting bribes for referring patients to other doctors or prescribing certain medications.

Overmedicating or undermedicating are two options.

Recommending bogus cures for sickness or other medical problems.

Medicaid fraud is a serious problem.

 

Neglect of the elderly

 

Failure to perform a caretaking duty. This accounts for more than half of all cases of elder abuse reported. It might be deliberate or unintentional, depending on variables such as ignorance or denial that an old charge need so much attention.