Elder Abuse: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Which of the following statements about elder abuse is MOST accurate?
A. Elder abuse is rare and typically only occurs in institutional settings
B. Self-neglect does not require intervention
C. The most common perpetrators of elder abuse are strangers taking financial advantage of older adults
D. The least common type of elder abuse overall is neglect
E. Older adults with cognitive impairment, functional dependence, and social isolation are at higher risk for elder abuse
Answer and topic summary
The answer is E. Older adults with cognitive impairment, functional dependence, and social isolation are at higher risk for elder abuse
Elder abuse is sadly a common and under-recognized problem, impacting 5-10% of community-dwelling older adults and over 20% of nursing home residents. Those most at risk for elder abuse are older adults with cognitive impairment, socially isolated, functional dependence, poor physical/mental health, low income, or low SES status. Elder abuse is associated with increased mortality, high rates of depression, dementia, and worsening chronic conditions. Types of abuse include psychological, financial exploitation, physical, sexual, and neglect. Perpetrators are most often family members or trusted caregivers. Overall, the most common type of elder abuse is neglect, which refers to the failure of a trusted person to protect an older person from harm or provide for their needs. Self-neglect is also common, which is when an older person can’t care for themesleves. Some warning signs include bruising, lacerations, skin tears, spiral fractures, malnutrition, dehydration, and pressure ulcers. If you suspect an older adult is being neglected, you should report this to adult protective services (or similar agencies) and treat the medical complications immediately.
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Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Psychiatry ⇒ ⇒
