Enrolled on:
CE1001 | Contact Hours: 2
Elder Abuse: Implications for Health Care Professionals
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this activity is to inform health care professionals about elder abuse and measures to take to identify it and prevent it from happening. After studying the information presented here, you will be able to:
1. Define elder abuse.
2. Identify five types of elder abuse.
3. Identify the signs and risk factors of elder abuse.
4. Describe steps health care professionals can take to detect and prevent elder abuse.
RELEASE DATE
02/28/2022
EXPIRATION DATE
02/28/2024
AUTHOR
Melissa Bair, BSN, RN
CRITERIA FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
All learners must complete the entire activity and complete the evaluation to receive contact hours.
APPROVAL STATEMENT (ACCREDITATION INFORMATION)
This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the Ohio Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. (OBN-001-91).
In addition to states that accept American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) courses, CE Leaders is an approved provider by the Florida Board of Nursing, and a registered provider with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, District of Columbia Board of Nursing, Georgia Board of Nursing, Kentucky Board of Nursing, New Mexico Board of Nursing, South Carolina Board of Nursing and West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses (Provider # 50-33450).
RELEVANT FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIP
No one with the ability to control content of this activity has a relevant financial relationship with an ineligible company.
INTRODUCTION
American citizens are healthier and living longer today than any other time in recorded history. Unfortunately, as the elderly population increases, so does the mistreatment and neglect of these vulnerable people. Each year, tens of thousands of elderly Americans are victims of abuse and/or neglect in their own homes, the homes of relatives, and even in the facilities responsible for their daily care and well-being. It is estimated that between 1 and 2 million Americans over the age of 65 have been victims of abuse; according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. As the population of “Baby Boomers“ enters into the elderly age group, health care professionals can expect to care for more and more elderly patients every day. According to the Population Bulletin released by the Population Reference Bureau, the number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060, accounting for roughly 25% of the population estimates at that time. Moreover, older adults who are abused or neglected are three times more likely to die than those who were not abused (6). Therefore, learning to identify, report, and prevent elder abuse will become an increasingly vital aspect of the modern health care professional’s job duties.
RESOURCES
1. Eldercare Locator Hotline: 1-800-677-1116
2. National Center on Elder Abuse web site: https://ncea.acl.gov
3. Family Caregiver Alliance: www.caregiver.org
4. Adult Protective Services: www.napsa-now.org/get-help/help-in-your-area
5. National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse: www.preventelderabuse.org
REFERENCES
1. Teaster, P.B., Otto, J.M. Dugar, T.D., Medndiondo, M.S.., Abner, E.L., &Cecil, K.A. (2006). The 2004 survey of state Adult Protective Services: Abuse of adults 60 years of age and older. Report to the National Center on Elder Abuse, Administration on Aging, Washington DC.
2. Elder Abuse on the Rise in America. https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20190404/elder-abuse-on-the-rise-in-america#1. Published 4/4/19. Last Accessed 1/12/22.
3. Dong X, Simon M, Mendes de Leon C, et al. Elder Self-Neglect and Abuse and Mortality Risk in a Community-Dwelling Population. JAMA. 2009;302(5): 517-526.
4. Elder Abuse/Mistreatment Defined. National Institute on Aging website. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/elder-abuse. Last accessed 1/12/22.
5. Hoban, S, Kearney K. Elder Abuse and Neglect: It Takes Many Forms-If you’re Not Looking, You May Miss it. Am J Nurs. 100(11): 49-50.
6. Paris BE, Meier DE, Goldstein T, et all: Elder Abuse and neglect: How to Recognize Warning Signs and Intervene. Geriatrics 1995 Apr: 50(4): 47-51.
7. Jones JS, Holstege C, Holstege H: Elder Abuse and Neglect: Understanding the Causes and Potential Risk Factors Am J Emerg Med 1997; 15(6): 579-583.
8. Elder Abuse and Violence Prevention. www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/elderabuse. Last accessed 1/12/22.