An ethical perspective on elder abuse

Nurses have an obligation to report and protect vulnerable groups, including older people. However, it might be difficult for nurses to intervene effectively or feel they’ve made a difference in clients’ lives when older people decide to remain in abusive situations. Domestic violence and intimate partner abuse are sometimes complicated because older adults face conflicting social, cultural, religious, or other pressures to proceed living with their perpetrators (Finfgeld-Connett, D. 2014). To prevent harm to clients vulnerable to abuse, nurses must fastidiously assess the moral implications from the attitude of older adults after which develop the very best intervention plan.

Social and Cultural

When there’s a deep-seated cultural stigma around broken families, women may endure many years of abuse to project a picture of family unity slightly than seek help to make sure their very own personal safety (Finfgeld-Connett, D. 2014). Because most violence occurs inside families, some older adults feel shame, guilt, or fear about reporting their family members to authorities (Olson & Hoglund, 2014).

Religion

Think concerning the dilemma of getting a client with a lifelong religious commitment and a deep commitment to marital vows when the connection becomes violent. There are reports of elders whose spiritual advisors encouraged them to remain in abusive relationships slightly than leave them (Finfgeld-Connett, D. 2014).

Financial

Low income increases the danger of violence (Dong and Simon, 2014) and the complexity of helping older people who find themselves victims of violence. Some older individuals who have experienced violence feel trapped and unable to depart the connection due to guilt over their spouse’s dependence on shared income or fear of their very own ability to support themselves (Finfgeld-Connett, D. 2014).

The role of nurses in cases of suspicion of violence

• “ensure thorough assessment of abuse and abuse risk aspects;
• clearly and objectively document assessment conclusions;
• report suspected cases of abuse and, where appropriate, take part in investigations;
• provide support and referrals to clients experiencing potential or actual violence; AND
• implement strategies to forestall elder abuse.” (Olson and Hoglund, 2014)

Just keep in mind that safety comes first. If a situation arises where a client is in serious danger or has been injured, immediate motion ought to be taken to acquire treatment and move the frail or disabled person to a protected place. In non-urgent situations, nurses should take steps to assist their clients find support from the community, including counseling centers, religious organizations, senior centers, or support groups, to scale back the danger of being a victim of violence.

More information on the danger and protective aspects related to elder abuse will be found on the web site http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/elderabuse/riskprotectivefactors.html.

Free article:

Elder abuse: speaking up for justice

Bibliography

Dong, X., and Simon, M. A. (2014). Risk index profile of vulnerability to elder abuse in a community-dwelling population. 62:10–15, doi: 10.1111/jgs.12621
Finfgeld-Connett, D. (2014). Intimate partner abuse amongst older women: A qualitative systematic review. 23 section 6 664–683.
Olson, J. M., and Hoglund, B. A. (2014). Elder abuse: A story about justice. DOI:1097/CNJ.0000000000000028