Elder Abuse: Cause for Social Concern

Introduction
For my Senior Community Project, I chose to research the care society’s aging population receives in nursing facilities. I chose this topic because I have a vested interest in the aging population, and it is important to understand the obligation society has in supporting caregivers in the care they provide for the older adult population. Failing to provide care to a person is a form of abuse. The Office of the Attorney General (2001) reports that, “In 1998, the United States Accounting Office reported that one in three California nursing homes was cited for serious or potentially life-threatening care problems” (p. 1). The abuse and neglect of older adults is an ever-increasing problem in society. The professionals who are designated as caregivers are not supported in their efforts to insure the health and safety of older adults. By not being supported, they are overwhelmed with the responsibilities of providing care and are not able to perform their job as efficiently. There are identifiable risk factors, and by raising social awareness, elder abuse would not be so prevalent in nursing facilities and among older adults in general.

According to the Office of the Attorney General in the state of California (2001), one in three nursing homes did not meet the standards for a safe and healthy facility in California in 1998. They were not clean, they were not safe, there was not sufficient staff, adequate food and hydration was not provided, and the medical charts were not accurate. As cited in Allen (2004), 88% of nurses who were interviewed mentioned that they had dealt with abuse and neglect among this population in their career (p. 2). It is also mentioned that abuse is not handled properly because the nurses and other staff are poorly trained. These are all factors that increase the possibility that elder abuse will occur.

Statement of Need
Older adults are often victims of abuse because of their isolation and vulnerability. This has not always been recognized as a social problem. The key to eliminating this as a social issue is to research the circumstances under which this abuse is occurring and presenting the information to families in need. There is a lack of information identifying the risk factors in order to increase social awareness to this topic as an ethical responsibility.

Description of the intervention
In order to raise social awareness, presenting research and information to society and recognizing this as problematic is necessary. For my community project, I created an informational brochure focusing on the abuse of older adults to present to caregivers and families who are moving their relatives into facilities. Included are tips for self-care as a caregiver, risk factors, and the dangers of isolation and vulnerability. Caregivers are not supported in their responsibility of providing care to older adults. There are risks that are associated with a lack of support for caregivers. Without respite, caregivers are prone to burnout, exhaustion, and are not able to provide adequate care to others. Based on interviews conducted with agency supervisors, front line social workers, and clients, it was agreed that respite care for caregivers is not available as frequently as needed. The intervention educates caregivers and family members about the dangers of burnout and exhaustion.

Evaluation of the intervention
Although the informational brochure has not yet been presented to caregivers and families, it is anticipated that it will be a useful addition to their knowledge base. It will be placed in a specific agency in the community which provides a number of different support programs and information to caregivers. Input from co-workers and supervisors has been positive, and the importance of this information is recognized.

Reflection
Looking back on this project as a process, I have found a connection that is very helpful to caregivers. It is essential to acknowledge the connection between self-care and providing care to others. It is also essential to acknowledge that society has an obligation to support caregivers. If I were to start this project all over again, I would go out into the community to distribute this information. At this point, I will provide this information to clients at the agency I have been placed in.

References
Allen, D. (2004). Reading the signs. Nursing Older People, 16(4), 6.
Office of the Attorney General. (2001). Elder abuse in nursing homes. Retrieved September 21,
2004 from http://caag.state.ca.us/bmfea/elder.htm