Final answer:
A caregiver's emotional capacity is best assessed by their patience and resilience rather than income or professional qualifications. Risk factors for elder abuse include caregiver depression, history of abuse, and caregiver dependence on the elderly. Effective caregiving also requires a strong emotional support network.
Step-by-step explanation:
In determining whether a caregiver has sufficient emotional capacity, it's essential to assess their emotional maturity, not necessarily attributes such as adequate income, a large support network, or professional qualifications. Emotional capacity is more accurately gauged through qualities like patience and resilience, which helps ensure that the caregiver can handle the stresses associated with caregiving.
Research has shown that factors increasing the likelihood of elder abuse by caregivers include a history of depression, physical abuse, dependency on the elder, inexperience, high stress, and lack of support. It's imperative for caregivers to have an emotional support network that allows them to provide caring and effective assistance to their charges while also dealing with their matters of concern.