Final answer:
Neglecting proper care or providing incorrect care to an elderly resident, which can cause harm, is a form of elder abuse. This can arise from factors such as caregiver inexperience, stress, and a history of being abused. Preventing elder abuse requires proper training, support, and monitoring of caregivers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neglecting what you were taught by omitting care or performing incorrect care which causes harm to the resident, such as not putting up bedrails, is an example of elder abuse. Elder abuse can occur in many forms, including physical, psychological, and neglect. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) provides guidance on signs and symptoms of elder abuse to look out for. Factors that increase the risk of a caregiver committing elder abuse include inexperience, high stress, and a history of being abused themselves. Caregivers need proper training and support to reduce the likelihood of elder abuse.
According to studies, caregivers with lower job satisfaction, who view the elderly as children, or who feel burnt out, are more likely to be abusive. Factors such as depression, low education, and other psychiatric disorders can also contribute to abusive behavior. In severe cases, neglect can lead to tragic outcomes, such as the spread of HIV from a healthcare worker to patients, as mentioned in the clinical focus scenario. All these factors suggest the importance of proper caregiver selection, training, support, and monitoring to prevent and address elder abuse.
It's essential for caregivers in nursing homes and similar facilities to be aware of the signs of elder abuse and to act to prevent it. This includes following correct care practices, like ensuring bedrails are secure to prevent falls. By doing so, caregivers can maintain a safe environment, uphold ethical standards, and protect the dignity and well-being of residents in their care.