Elder abuse: speak out for justice

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Nursing

Background:

• Elder abuse is a significant public health issue affecting 1 in 10 older adults.
• Underreporting is a major concern, with only 1 in 5 to 1 in 24 cases being reported.
• The prevalence of elder abuse is projected to rise with global population aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the prevalence, causes, and risk factors of elder abuse.
• To highlight the critical role of nurses in addressing elder abuse.
• To provide practical tools and resources for healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on elder abuse prevalence and risk factors.
• Analysis of nursing roles in identification, assessment, and intervention.
• Inclusion of case studies and evidence-based assessment tools.

Main Results:

• Elder abuse is widespread but significantly underreported.
• Nurses are uniquely positioned to detect and intervene in cases of elder abuse.
• Effective interventions require comprehensive assessment and resource utilization.

Conclusions:

• Nurses are essential in combating elder abuse through early identification and intervention.
• Addressing elder abuse requires a multi-faceted approach including education and accessible resources.
• Proactive nursing strategies can mitigate the impact of elder abuse on aging populations.