Research Proposal And Supporting Document

Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as well as neglect, exploitation and abandonment of our older generation (Falk, 2012). The people that cause these injuries include the elderly person’s own family and staff members of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, medical rehabilitation facilities and hospitals (NCOA, 2017). There is approximately 1 in 10 older adults that have experienced some type of elder abuse in the United States (NCOA, 2017). Within these staggering numbers, only 1

The issue of elder abuse and neglect is a significant health care issue, that need to be brought to the attention of society. Seniors who stay at home or in nursing homes are at more risk. Nurses should be aware of the signs and symptoms as well as resources in the community. By having a better understanding of these issues, nurses can recognize problems and help prevent the devastating effects of elderly abuse.

Although it does not usually make news headlines and is rarely discussed, nursing home residents and the elderly experience abuse sometimes on a daily basis. Medical errors, physical abuse, or stealing from them could all be classified as abuse. All around the world today, a population that is not able to help itself is being harmed, whether it is physical or sexual abuse, exploitation, or not being properly supervised; the elderly and nursing home residents are being abused.

There are many broad and different definitions of elder abuse, and different forms and ways to deal with it. Elder abuse consists of “intentional or neglectful acts of a caregiver, family member, friend, or other individuals that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a senior citizen” (Elder Abuse Facts, 2016). One of the biggest problems we face when looking at this policy is that elder harm and abuse can happen practically anywhere. Elder abuse can happen in a private setting; in their own homes committed by their own family members (Help Guide, 2014, p.1). But it can also happen in a care center, with lots of people living in close proximity to them.

Abuse can happen to anyone, but elderly adults residing in nursing homes are more vulnerable and have a higher risk for abuse (Rasansky Law Firm, 2006, para. 1). Elders are among the fastest growing in the population, and because of this many more elderly

The research interest topic is the prevalence of elder abuse and neglect found in selected Ohio nursing homes and what, if any consequences the nursing homes encounter if elder abuse cases are substantiated. A theory consists of a body of ideas regarding a particular phenomenon or topic (Cozby & Bata, 2012). Therefore, a theory seeks the truth from reasoned known facts, which serves as a basis of investigation (Burnight & Mosqueda, 2011). The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical perspective.

The aging population is at high risk of being taken advantage of and mistreated by a caregiver or family member. Elders are the most vulnerable group of people and are subject to elder abuse in their later years of life. The Administration of Aging refers to elder abuse as the knowing, intentional, or negligent act that causes harm or serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Every year, hundreds of thousands of older adults are abused, neglected, and exploited. Unfortunately, a trusted caregiver or a loved one commits most of these heinous acts.

Elder abuse is commonly unheard of and may be initially associated with more relatable forms of abuse such as physical, sexual or psychological abuse (Patterson, 2017). However, elder abuse encompasses physical, psychological, sexual, financial, self-neglect and neglectful organised care (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2016a). Furthermore, older adults are at risk if they are socially isolated, discriminated against, afraid, have impaired cognitive function, dementia and impaired judgement or insight (Johannesen & LoGiudice, 2013). Additionally, carer factors contribute to the risk of older adult abuse such as the carer’s psychological state, socioeconomic strain and mental illness (Johannesen & LoGiudice, 2013).

Other at-risk groups include people who are socially isolated and people with mental impairments or dementia. While protecting the victim is of the utmost importance, it is vital to not forget the abuser because they are affected as well. Since most abuse happens at home by family members, that is who I am referring to as the abuser. The stresses of caregiving can be overwhelming. While elder abuse is never an acceptable response to any problem, no matter how stressful, many people who are thrust into the role of caregiving can find themselves ill-equipped for it. At its most innocent stage, a caregiver 's unintentional failure to provide proper care and support because of a lack of understanding or lack of skills is abusive behavior that can threaten the safety and well-being of the older adult, but instead of them being penalized it may be more productive to educate them.

The definition of elder abuse also includes the failure of any caregiver; as they do not satisfy the needs of an elder or protect them from any harm (NCEA, 2012, p. 1). In accordance to a 2012 report (based on NCEA, Bureau of Justice Statistics), the number of elder abuse cases in 2010 was 9.5% of the elderly population. Along were the different types of elder abuse and their percentages. In 2010 the types of abuse were reported as: neglect (58.5%), physical abuse (15.7%), financial abuse (12.3%), psychological abuse (7.3%), sexual abuse (0.04%), all other types (5.1%), and unknown (0.06%) (Statistic Brain, 2012). Typically these horrific cases of abuse take place in private homes, long-term care facilities (nursing homes, assisted living facilities), and hospitals. Roughly 1 out of 14 reported cases of elder mistreatment took place in the victim’s domestic setting (e.g., home) while physical abuse was identified as the most common type of abuse in nursing homes. (Elder-law.law, 2013). It has been reported that for every one case of elder mistreatment brought to the attention of authorities, roughly five cases go unreported due to the victim’s loyalty or fear of their abuser; shame for being reliant on the abuser; or being unaware about existing services that can help them. Since elder abuse is so poorly recognized a lot of people fail to realize that it is a lot more involved than just physical abuse. Elder abuse can be filed into the following

According to statistical researches by Dong (2015), many elderly adults are abused in their own homes, in their relatives’ homes, or even in institutional settings, especially long-term care facilities (pg.2014). Dong also finds two thirds of abusers to be the adult’s own children or spouses (2023). Family members may begin to actively resent the elderly person and the responsibilities of caring for him or her. In short, older adults are not even safe around the people who supposed to care and protect them. The thought of family members abusing their own loved ones is disturbing.

To better understand the scope of the problem, it is crucial that society knows what is considered as elder abuse and why it is important to resolve this issue. Elder abuse refers to any intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. There are many forms in which an elder can be abused, “Elder Abuse and Neglect” Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services distinguishes between the five most common types of elder abuse as well as their effects and/or common signs and symptoms for each. These types of abuse include physical abuse,

Abuse of vulnerable adults may occur at the adult's home, in a supportive accommodation such a hospital, care home or nursing home, independent living accomadtation, health services such as GP surgeries, public settings and local community or other places previously assumed safe. Where the abuse occurs will be determined by the setting in the environment. Nursing care homes, surgeries and hospitals usually have strict regulatory controls to ensure adequate care is being given, however paid care staff in domiciliary homes may work with little or no supervision. Where there is poor management, little assessment and no enforced legislation in place, those receiving support are more likely to receive inadequate care; this is when abuse starts to occur.

To begin, abuse in nursing homes can happen in many different areas of the patient’s life. An elderly patient can be abused emotionally, sexually, financially, physically, and can be neglected. Some of these abuses begin to occur when the elderly patient becomes more physically frail, and they are less able to stand up against threats and bullying. The other abuses begin, when the patient is no longer able to take care of his/her own finances.

In today’s societies older populations have been forgotten, depreciated, and severely deprived of adequate healthcare resources, services, and funding (O'Brien, 2010). Issues involving insufficient healthcare policies, limited research, and lack of elderly abuse education has prevented geriatric patients from receiving proper care (O'Brien, 2010). With this in mind some research has shown high rates of physical abuse and negligence towards elderly patients in the healthcare facilities (Zhang, 2011). The Adult Protective Services (APS) explains that negligence is one of the most common types of domestic abuses reported (Zhang, 2011). As a matter of fact, reports of elderly abuse and neglect account for 60-70% of all reports submitted to the