Final answer:
Risk factors for perpetrating elder abuse include a history of depression in the caregiver, being a family member, and having a dependency on the older adult. Multiple forms of elder abuse exist, and the prevalence is approximately one in ten elderly individuals, potentially higher due to underreporting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Risk factors for being a perpetrator of elder abuse include several aspects that increase the likelihood of an individual causing harm to an elderly person. Evidence indicates that caregivers with a history of depression are at a greater risk of committing elder abuse. Additionally, those who are family members or have some form of dependency on the older adult are more prone to being abusers. Specifically, caregivers abusing elders were often themselves victims of abuse, sometimes during their own childhood. For example, adult children caring for their parents while also dependent on their income pose a higher risk of physical abuse. Other risk factors include stress, isolation, and lack of support among caregivers, especially if they are not professionally trained or are juggling other demands such as jobs and childcare.
Elder abuse can take various forms which include physical, sexual, psychological, neglect, and financial exploitation. This form of abuse is more frequent than many might expect, with studies suggesting that about one in ten elderly individuals reported experiencing abuse. However, due to underreporting, the actual figures could be higher, especially among those with health issues like dementia.