Social-Psychological Aspects of Aging & Elder Abuse

Question 1

Three Social-psychological Theories of aging successfully?

Answer 1

• Disengagement Theory
• Activity Theory
• Continuity Theory

Question 2

Disengagement Theory?

Answer 2

• Leave social roles before death as strength declines
• Satisfying for the individual AND society
• Transfers power & responsibility to the younger generation

CRITICISMS:
Old age = weakness and decline (we don’t all age the same

Question 3

Continuity Theory?

Answer 3

• Similar to past
• Continue roles & activities
• Adapt to new situations using past coping behaviour
• Combination of the other 2 theories
  (Activity Disengagement theories)

Question 4

Activity Theory?

Answer 4

• New & different interests
• Remain active = life satisfaction
• Opposite of disengagement theory

Question 5

Life Course Theory?

Answer 5

Mixture of:

• Health
• Social influences/society
• Historical events

Question 6

Social Breakdown?

Answer 6

• Roll loss = lack of norms & loss of friends
• Dependency
• Seen as incompetent

Need new skills/behaviors to stay independent
(need to keep participating)

Question 7

Risk Factors for Social Isolation?

Answer 7

Poor health
Disability
Gender
Loss of spouse
Living alone
Reduced social networks
Aging 
Transportation
Poverty
Low self esteem
Place of residence

STRATEGY:
Peer visiting program, volunteer programs

Question 8

OTA & PTA role?

Answer 8

• Establishing therapeutic relationships
• Reduce learned helplessness
• Reducing disability
• Breaking the cycle
• Help them adjust to new “self”
• Educating client & family

Question 9

Most lonely?

Answer 9

Unmarried, uneducated Women

Question 10

Combating Loneliness?

Answer 10

• Maintain social contacts
• Better housing, more recreational facilities
• Improved transportation

More choices = better sense of self

Question 11

Elder Abuse?

Answer 11

A major societal issue!!!!
4 - 10%

Finally getting attention
- Population commonly served by OTAs & PTAs

Question 12

5 types of Elder Abuse?

Answer 12

Physical Abuse
Psychological/Emotional Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Financial Abuse
Neglect

Question 13

3 common variables of Elder Abuse?

Answer 13

• Unequal balance of power
• Abuser is dependent on the abused
• Isolation

Question 14

Signs of Abuse?

Answer 14

• Sudden changes in behaviour
• Socializes less
• Sudden change in standard of living
• Seems fearful
• Unexplained injuries

Question 15

Physical Abuse?

Answer 15

Causes physical discomfort or pain

EXAMPLES:
pushing, shaking, hitting, withholding, over-medicating, restraints, physical discomfort

INDICATORS:
unexplained injuries, depression

Question 16

Psychological/emotional Abuse?

Answer 16

Actions verbal/non-verbal that lessen a person’s self worth

EXAMPLES:
Putting someone down, making them feel unworthy, hurtful

INDICATORS:
Social withdraw, lowered self-esteem, nervous

Question 17

Sexual Abuse?

Answer 17

Sexual behaviour without that person’s full knowledge & consent

EXAMPLES:
Unwanted touching, fondling, making sexual remarks

INDICATORS:
Social withdraw, lowered self-esteem, nervous

Question 18

Financial Abuse?

Answer 18

MOST PREVALENT!!!!
- Dishonest use of money/assets

EXAMPLES:
Theft/selling of property/valuables, fraud, withholding money

INDICATORS:
unexplained difference between income and standard of living, possessions disappearing

Question 19

Neglect?

Answer 19

Not meeting basic needs of person

• Active Neglect = intentional
• Passive Neglect = unintentional

INDICATORS:
Weight loss, confusion, pressure sores, dirty clothes / environment, unkempt appearance

Question 20

Who is abused?

Answer 20

• Female
• Over the age of 75
• Widowed or living alone
• Socially isolated
• Under the control or influence of abuser
• Physical impairment or mental incapacity
• Physically frail, but mentally capable

Question 21

Why does abuse happen?

Answer 21

• Limited resources
• Lack of support
• Lack of knowledge of resources
• Not coping well with own issues
• Multiple demands/commitments
• Caregiver stress due to increased burden
• Client has behavioural problems or cognitive limitations

Question 22

Who are the abusers?

Answer 22

People with control or power over the individual’s care and well-being

People in a position of trust

Question 23

Reasons for abuse?

Answer 23

History of abuse within family
Poor relationship
Unrealistic expectations
Social isolation
Socio-cultural aspects

Often unintentional

Question 24

Forms of abuse in LTC facilities?

Answer 24

Restraints – physical, chemical
Intimidation
Poor hygiene
Fall prevention
Dehydration
Malnutrition
Inadequate nursing, resulting in bed sores
Dirty or unsafe environment

Question 25

OTA/PTA role if someone tells you they are being abused?

Answer 25

• Believe the person
• Do not judge the person
• Educate yourself on resources available to people who are being abused
• Do not deny what is going on
• Encourage the person to seek help
• DO NOT confront the perpetrator yourself

REPORT IT!!!! (to immediate supervisor)

• Recognize the indicators of abuse
  Why is this situation causing concern?
  What are you seeing, hearing?
• Follow your instincts

Question 26

What if help is refused?

Answer 26

• Remind the older adult that you there to help them.
• Maintain contact/relationship with the person.
• Remind them of resources available.