Week 10 Flashcards
T/F: When defining elder abuse, we are most concerned with physical abuse
False! Not always physical abuse. Can be financial, abandonment, isolation, mental suffering, etc.
What has caused OA abuse to become more prominent recently?
Elder abuse has become more of an issue since OA started living longer
What was elder abuse called before Adult Protective Services Developed
Before 1960’s and 1970’s, “elder abuse” was called “Granny Bagging”
Why might reporting elder abuse or mistreatment be problematic
- Losing trust of family member
- Elder may be taken away if reported abuse–don’t know where they’ll be going
- May not be able to prove abuse, especially of OA can’t verbalize that abuse is occuring
- May lose trust of pt –they may fear loss of daughter/caregiver
Where are OTs most likely to encounter elder abuse? A. Adult day care center B. Nursing home C. Home setting D. Hospital
C. Home setting
- Only 5% occurs in nursing homes–services and regulations in place to prevent abuse
- At home, no one is watching to witness if abuse is occuring
What is meant by an example of elder abuse?
Examples of elder abuse are the highest level of abuse–actually see abuse occuring
What is meant by a sign of elder abuse?
Signs of elder abuse: consequences of abuse
-both physical and psychosocial
What are the most obvious signs of elder abuse?
Physical e.g., bruises, cuts, scrapes, dirty clothes, hygiene , not appropriately dressed for weather
What are some signs of elder abuse?
- Anxiety, Depression: Careful though, may be due to something else!
- Malnutrition
- Physical: cuts, scrapes, dirty, same clothes, not appropriately dressed for weather hygiene, bruises (careful though–OA bruise easily, even meds can cause bruising)
Why is it important not to make assumptions about elder abuse?
- Signs may be due to other factors other than elder abuse
- OA bruise easily–even meds can cause
- Anxiety and Depression may be due to something else
What is meant by risk factors for elder abuse?
Risk factors: indicators of possible abuse occurring
-May be scenario that can lead to abuse e.g., shift in family dynamic, new family member coming in
Possible risk factors for elder abuse:
- Shift in family dynamic, roles e.g., new family member coming in
- Increase in health conditions–getting sicker
- Cognitive decline
- Caregiver burnout
- Caregiver alcoholism
Is caregiver burnout a sign or risk factor of elder abuse?
Caregiver burnout is a risk factor of elder abuse! Signs are consequences of elder abuse, whereas risk factors are indicators of possible abuse occurring
T/F: There is a universally accepted tool to screen for elder abuse, making it generally easy to recognize
False! There is no universally accepted screening tool. Measuring elder abuse is very difficult.
- There are checklists/tools, but these can be controversial (no universally accepted way to have caregiver fill out)
- Tools generally used more to collect info–can write down on perspectives to organize thoughts
- Not as reliable as would hope
The following are all what kind of signs of abuse?
- Pressure sores
- Bruising
- Low weight
- Burns/restraint marks
- Broken bones
- Hygiene
- Poor nail care
- Dehydration
- Over/under medicated
- Decreased functional capacity (risk)
Physical signs.
How could poor nail care be a sign of elder abuse?
Can be indication of poor hygiene, neglect
Self neglect: individual chooses not to care for self. May be due to mental condition. We can help figure out why this is happening
The following are all what kind of signs/risks of abuse?
- Confusion
- Anxious
- Fearful/suspicious
- Depressed
- Sudden behavior changes
- Bills are confusing (risk)
Mental Status Signs and Risks
What are some environmental signs/risk factors of elder abuse?
- Filth
- Lives alone
- Clutter
- Close quarters
What are some relationship signs and risks for elder abuse?
- Inconsistent stories
- Caregiver speaks for pt
- Delay in seeking care
- Problem behaviors: being aggressive, demanding, complaining
- Caregiver status untreated mental health issues, abuse of alcohol, frustration, resentment, expressing burden/burnout (risk)
- Won’t let OT talk to pt alone
- Previous reports of abuse (risk)
- Pt body language (e.g., no eye contact)
What are some signs and risks in caregiver for elder abuse?
- Caregiver speaks for pt
- Problem behaviors: being aggressive, demanding, complaining
- Caregiver status: untreated mental health issues, abuse of alcohol, frustration, resentment, expressing burde/burnout (risk)
- Won’t let OT talk to pt alone
- Previous reports of abuse (risk)
What are some signs/risks of elder abuse regarding social support?
- Screened telephone calls
- Isolation
- Reported money disappearing
- Changing MDs frequently
- Previous person handling finances left (risk)
- Isn’t allowed to attend religious services
- Intercepted mail
- Pt told he/she is sick and must stay in bed
The goal of this program is to investigate and attempt to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of individual residents in long-term care facilities
The goal of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is to investigate and attempt to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of individual residents in long-term care facilities. These facilities include nursing homes; residential care facilities for the elderly (also known as assisted living or board and care facilities). Can help to identify elder abuse occurring, but overall problems with services remain
What are the four goals to address elder abuse in older adults?
- Address Medical Problems (communicate with professional team)
- Secure safety
- Restore sense of control; victim empowerment
- Identify and eliminate the cause
How can we restore a sense of control and empower victims of elder abuse?
- Provide resources
- Ask caregiver to leave room so give control back to older adult, then ask direct questions e.g., is abuse going on
- Let them know this is common and they are not alone
How can we address elder abuse concerns with caregivers ?
Ask caregivers questions without putting them on the spot and blaming them e.g., some people find it hard to care for adults with dementia. Is it hard for you?
Who do most elder abuse programs target?
Most elder abuse programs target the victim, but not the abuser
How can we help abusers of elder abuse?
- Provide an area where they can open up
- Offer resources
T/F: While it is encouraged, you are not required to report elder abuse
False! We are responsible for reporting and turning in the report. We can talk with the supervisor for help, but we are responsible for filling out a form and submitting
How can we support support caregivers of OA?
- Attend to shifting roles and family dynamics e.g., daughter changing catheter
- Educate about effects of disease/disorders (interdependence vs independence–some reluctance to get help)
- Provide resources e.g., are they capable of getting respite services?
What is interdependence vs. independence regarding caregiving?
- Interdependence: relying on each other for needs
- Independence: Able to meet needs on own
- Some may be reluctant to get support
How can an OT use time strategically when working with OA at the end of their life?
Take one meaningful task and draw it out to help them fill their day
T/F: When working with OA who are nearing the end of their life, you should most of all focus on balance and strength
False! When working with OAs who are nearing the end of their lives, you should focus on occupation! Use adaptations to make the task easier
Management strategies for OAs nearing the end of their life include which of the following:
A. Focus on occupation
B. Define a “new normal”
C. Find “just right” challenge
D. Safety
E. Engage in productive activity
F. Distract away from difficult topics or situations
G. “Error-Prof” the environment
H. Use time strategically
I. Maintain relationships with family/friends
All of these!