Chapter 5 and 6 Flashcards
Be familiar with types of elder abuse and their definitions.
Physical abuse
Nonaccidental use of physical force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment
Sexual abuse
Nonconsensual sexual contact with an elder
Emotional abuse
Willful infliction of mental or emotional anguish by threat, humiliation, or other verbal or nonverbal abusive conduct
Neglect
Willful or nonwillful failure by the caregiver to his or her obligations or duties as a caretaker
Abandonment
Desertion of elders by the people who have assumed responsibility for providing care for them.
Financial or material exploitation
Unauthorized use of an elder’s funds, property, or resources
Self-abuse or neglect
Abusive or neglectful methods of conduct of elders directed at themselves that threaten their health or safety
How would you handle suspected caregiver abuse?
COTAs must report actual or suspected abuse.
Make an immediate telephone call to authorities and follow-up documentation of the incident and known facts.
Incident and condition of the victim and other information leading the COTA to suspect abuse must be documented.
Failure to report is a legally punishable misdemeanor in states with mandatory reporting laws.
follow facilities’ policy/discuss with supervisor and facility administrator
Option to directly report to the Adult Protective Service Hotline
Factors contributing to caregiver stress
Sandwich generation: caring for children and parent
Lack of support from other family members (spouse, children, siblings)
Fluctuating levels of assistance for client
Family members not present, offering advice
Other stressors in caregiver’s life (work, own health, children)
Denial of need to care for themselves (physical & emotional)
Comprehension of medical directions
Signs of caregiver stress
Denial of disease progression
Anger that there is no cure
Withdrawal from friends, prior social/leisure activities
Anxious about future
Forgetfulness
Mental and physical health deteriorates
Depressed
Sleeplessness
Irritability/anger
Ways to reduce Stress
Get a diagnosis as early as possible.
Know what resources are available.
Become an educated caregiver.
Get help.
Take care of yourself.
Manage your level of stress.
Accept changes as they occur.
Do legal and financial planning.
Be realistic.
Give yourself credit, not guilt.
Primary vs. Secondary aging
Primary Aging
normal gradual changes in organ systems NOT associated with disease, impairment, disability.
Process begins at age 30! Loose 1% function every year after age 30!
Secondary Aging
Non-normal aging changes
Changes due to disease, injury, dysfunction & impairment
Can be preventable by lifestyle changes
Chronic vs acute illness
ACUTE
Symptoms develop quickly
Expected to be brief; typically resolves in less than six months
CHRONIC
Symptoms have a slow onset and can worsen over time
Persists beyond six months
Stages of aging (ages of each)
Young old (65–75 years of age)
Recently retired; grandparents
Increased leisure time; volunteer or travel
Often cope with chronic conditions
Mid old (75–85 years of age)
Make modifications in their occupational role performance
Reduce and simplify their lives
Rely more on social systems such as meals on wheels, public transportation, and family
Old old (85+ years of age) May be a time of peace and generosity or fear and anger from unresolved conflicts
Further systemic change and chronic conditions
Adult day care, homecare, nursing home placement, reliance on children for care
65 years old (varies with birth year)
Federally id age to collect Social Security
55 years old
Age that most retirement communities set for residents
50 years old
Can join the AARP
40 years old
Americans are protected by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
30 years old
“Senescence,” or the age of biological decline, begins.
