Question

Which of the following factors puts an older adult at risk for physical, emotional, and financial abuse? Select all that apply.

a)Decrease in strength and mobility
b)Increase in independence
c)Isolation
d)Declining mental ability

Answer 1

Older adults are at increased risk for abuse due to factors such as a decrease in strength and mobility, isolation, and declining mental ability. Dependency on caregivers also poses a risk, especially if the caregiver has stress, lack of support, or a history of abusive behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

The factors that put an older adult at risk for physical, emotional, and financial abuse include a decrease in strength and mobility, isolation, and declining mental ability. Increased independence is generally not a risk factor for abuse. Instead, it is often the decrease in physical capabilities and mental faculties that make an elderly person more vulnerable to mistreatment. Isolation can exacerbate these risks, making it difficult for the elderly to reach out for help or to be noticed by others who could provide assistance.

Furthermore, dependency on caregivers due to physical or mental frailty increases the risk of abuse. This dependency can result in a power imbalance, where the caregiver may exploit the elderly person for financial gain or may become neglectful or abusive due to stress, lack of support, or their own personal issues, such as a history of being abusive or experiencing abuse themselves.