Over time, elder abuse has become a serious issue in the United States, and it has drastically increased in the last ten years. As more elders are entering into nursing home and hospital settings, it is critical that nurses and healthcare professionals are aware of this growing issue to make every possible effort to prevent it.
Nurses are mandatory reporters of abuse, whether suspected or not, so it is pertinent that they are familiar with the risk factors that can lead a caregiver to be abusive and what to do if elder abuse is suspected. This program outlines the various types of abuse, and the signs of its occurrence.
After completing this course, the learner should be able to:
~ Describe types and signs of elder abuse
~ Identify factors that put elders at risk of becoming abused
~ Identify factors that put caregivers at risk of becoming abusive
~ Describe the steps that should be taken if elder abuse is suspected
~ Identify when reporting is necessary and how and where to report suspected abuse
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