Final answer:
Legislative measures to prevent elder abuse include the Federal Older Americans Act of 1965, the Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection Program of 1992, and mandatory reporting laws. Collectively, these address a wide range of elder needs and abuses, ensuring protection and assistance for the senior population.
Step-by-step explanation:
Legislative Approaches to Prevent Elder Abuse
To address the complex issue of elder abuse, several legislative measures have been adopted in the United States. The correct answer to the question about what legislative approaches have been taken to prevent elder abuse is 4) All of the above. These include the passage of the Federal Older Americans Act of 1965, which established the Aging Network and provided federal funding for senior services. Additionally, the creation of the Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection Program in 1992 aimed to protect the rights of older adults. Moreover, many states have enacted mandatory reporting laws requiring certain professionals to report suspected abuse and neglect of elders.
The Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA) was part of a comprehensive effort initiated during President Lyndon Johnson’s administration to improve social services, which also included Medicaid and Medicare. This Act is significant for its role in funding services that assist the elderly in various aspects of their lives.
Mandatory reporting laws are instrumental in identifying and taking steps to confront incidents of elder abuse. Such laws ensure that professionals like healthcare providers, social workers, and others, who suspect abuse or neglect, are legally obligated to report it, facilitating early intervention and prevention.
Other programs and initiatives that touch upon elder abuse prevention include elder rights protection, educational initiatives to increase public awareness, and funding for resources aimed at protecting vulnerable seniors from various forms of abuse.