Final answer:
The signs listed such as poor hygiene, injuries, and burns are indicative of elder abuse, which encompasses physical harm, psychological harm, neglect, and financial exploitation. Elders may face this mistreatment from caregivers or family members, and it is crucial to recognize and address these signs for their protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Poor hygiene, dehydration, oral injury, contusions affecting specific areas such as inner arms, inner thighs, palms, soles, scalp, ear, nasal bridge, and temple injury from being struck while wearing glasses, contact burns, and scalds are all signs of physical abuse. These injuries are typically associated with intentional harm inflicted upon an individual. In the context of elder care, these can be indicative of elder abuse, which is a serious concern and includes not only physical harm but also psychological harm, neglect, and financial exploitation. Considering the details provided, and referencing the 2009 study by Dr. Ron Acierno which outlines five major categories of elder abuse, including physical abuse and neglect, the correct answer to this question is b) Elder abuse.
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) encourages people to watch for signs of mistreatment, such as those listed in the question. Factors increasing the likelihood of elder abuse include a history of depression in the caregiver or dependency of the caregiver on the elder. Abandonment and self-neglect are additional forms of elder abuse identified by NCEA.
It is important to identify and address signs of elder abuse promptly to protect the health and wellbeing of the elderly population.