Social-Psychological Aspects of Aging & Elder Abuse Flashcards
Three Social-psychological Theories of aging successfully?
- Disengagement Theory
- Activity Theory
- Continuity Theory
Disengagement Theory?
- 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
Continuity Theory?
- Similar to past
- Continue roles & activities
- Adapt to new situations using past coping behaviour
- Combination of the other 2 theories
(Activity Disengagement theories)
Activity Theory?
- New & different interests
- Remain active = life satisfaction
- Opposite of disengagement theory
Life Course Theory?
Mixture of:
- Health
- Social influences/society
- Historical events
Social Breakdown?
- Roll loss = lack of norms & loss of friends
- Dependency
- Seen as incompetent
Need new skills/behaviors to stay independent
(need to keep participating)
Risk Factors for Social Isolation?
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
OTA & PTA role?
- Establishing therapeutic relationships
- Reduce learned helplessness
- Reducing disability
- Breaking the cycle
- Help them adjust to new “self”
- Educating client & family
Most lonely?
Unmarried, uneducated Women
Combating Loneliness?
- Maintain social contacts
- Better housing, more recreational facilities
- Improved transportation
More choices = better sense of self
Elder Abuse?
A major societal issue!!!!
4 - 10%
Finally getting attention
- Population commonly served by OTAs & PTAs
5 types of Elder Abuse?
Physical Abuse Psychological/Emotional Abuse Sexual Abuse Financial Abuse Neglect
3 common variables of Elder Abuse?
- Unequal balance of power
- Abuser is dependent on the abused
- Isolation
Signs of Abuse?
- Sudden changes in behaviour
- Socializes less
- Sudden change in standard of living
- Seems fearful
- Unexplained injuries
Physical Abuse?
Causes physical discomfort or pain
EXAMPLES:
pushing, shaking, hitting, withholding, over-medicating, restraints, physical discomfort
INDICATORS:
unexplained injuries, depression
Psychological/emotional Abuse?
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
Sexual Abuse?
Sexual behaviour without that person’s full knowledge & consent
EXAMPLES:
Unwanted touching, fondling, making sexual remarks
INDICATORS:
Social withdraw, lowered self-esteem, nervous
Financial Abuse?
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
Neglect?
Not meeting basic needs of person
- Active Neglect = intentional
- Passive Neglect = unintentional
INDICATORS:
Weight loss, confusion, pressure sores, dirty clothes / environment, unkempt appearance
Who is abused?
- 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
Why does abuse happen?
- 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
Who are the abusers?
People with control or power over the individual’s care and well-being
People in a position of trust
Reasons for abuse?
History of abuse within family Poor relationship Unrealistic expectations Social isolation Socio-cultural aspects
Often unintentional
Forms of abuse in LTC facilities?
Restraints – physical, chemical Intimidation Poor hygiene Fall prevention Dehydration Malnutrition Inadequate nursing, resulting in bed sores Dirty or unsafe environment
