NSG 4067 WEEK 5 DISCUSSION

The elderly are a critical population deserving close attention, care, and instant response to their needs. However, due to widespread elder abuse, their physical, psychological, and emotional needs do not often get the deserved response. Forms of abuse vary depending on where the elderly live and the support they get. Advocacy and protection of the elderly from abuse are vital to reducing the severity of the problem.

Types of Elder Abuse and Challenges

Common in people aged 60 and older, elder abuse can be psychological abuse and neglect, among other forms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defined psychological abuse as behaviors towards the elderly that inflict mental pain and distress (CDC, 2021). Harassing the elderly also causes me

ntal harm besides being a leading cause of emotional abuse. Neglect is characterized by the failure to provide the elderly with basic needs, such as hygiene, safety, and medical care essentials (Myhre et al., 2020). It is challenging to abolish these types of abuse due to underestimation, underreporting, and inadequacy of resources. For instance, the CDC (2021) reported that elder abuse is underestimated since many cases are unreported since many older adults are afraid or unable to reach and inform the relevant authorities about the abuse they experience at homes, care facilities, and other settings. I consider psychological abuse and neglect the most crucial forms of abuse since they are overlooked and profoundly impacting as far as older adults’ health is concerned. Mental harm and neglect can lead to depression and increase the chances of premature death.

Click here to ORDER an A++ paper from our MASTERS and DOCTORATE WRITERS: NSG 4067 WEEK 5 DISCUSSION

Advocacy and Elderly Protection

Protecting the elderly from abuse requires a multifaceted approach. As a health care provider, it is crucial to embrace one’s role as a mandated reporter and help authorities be aware of elderly abuse. Secondly, the elderly should be helped to identify abuse and where to report it (CDC, 2021). Thirdly, policymaking and assisting the elderly to get legal assistance when abused can be crucial in advocacy and protection efforts focusing on the elderly population.

Overall, older adults are a vulnerable population to psychological abuse and neglect. The impacts are far-reaching and regrettable. Health care providers can protect this critical population in many ways, including increased awareness of abuse and helping the elderly to report. Legal assistance is also crucial, among other interventions.