Final answer:
The statement is false; seniors are more likely to need long-term care than to be involved in car accidents. The growing aging population in the U.S. has elevated the demand for elder care services, and family caregivers face challenges in providing necessary support.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that it is more likely that a senior citizen will be involved in a car accident than need long-term care is false. As the Baby Boomer generation reaches retirement age, there is an increased demand for elder care and assisted living facilities, indicating a higher likelihood of seniors requiring long-term care. Moreover, with the advancement in age, seniors may become more prone to chronic health issues necessitating ongoing care. On the other hand, while some seniors may continue to drive and possibly be involved in car accidents, the likelihood of needing long-term care is generally higher as it encompasses a wide range of services, from in-home assistance to full-time care in a facility.
The factors that can increase the risk of an elderly person suffering mistreatment include bereavement and dependency on others, often resulting in abuse by caregivers, rather than strangers. Elder abuse in the United States is a growing concern alongside the increasing senior population. Family caregivers who are employed and unable to provide needed support, paired with the financial burden of outsourcing care, leads to gaps in care that can potentially put elderly individuals at risk.