Final answer:
When elder abuse occurs in private long-term care facilities, it is reported to state agencies. Agencies may include adult protective services or health and licensing departments, and law enforcement for criminal acts. Elder abuse takes many forms and is exacerbated by certain risk factors among caregivers.
Step-by-step explanation:
When elder abuse occurs in a private nursing home or other private long-term care facility, a report of abuse is typically made to state agencies that are responsible for overseeing the protection of the elderly. These can include adult protective services, health services departments, or licensing boards of the state in which the facility is located. It is also a good practice to report abuse to local law enforcement if the abuse involves criminal acts like physical abuse, sexual abuse, or severe neglect.
Elder abuse is a serious issue that includes various forms, such as physical, sexual, and psychological or emotional abuse, as well as neglect and financial exploitation. Caregivers may include family members, friends, and paid professionals. The risk of abuse can be higher under certain conditions, such as the caregiver having a history of depression, a prior experience of being abused, low job satisfaction, or when they are financially dependent on the elder.