Final answer:
Elderly individuals are least likely to experience physical touch in nursing homes or other institutional settings. Factors increasing the risk of elder abuse include caregiver stress and lack of support. Research also highlights the importance of caregiver experience and job satisfaction in preventing abuse.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to research by Barnett, elderly persons are least likely to be touched in institutional settings such as nursing homes or extended care facilities. This lack of physical touch is significant, considering that touch is a fundamental human need, which does not diminish with age. The absence of touch can have detrimental effects on the well-being and quality of life of elderly individuals, emphasizing the need for compassionate and affectionate caregiving.
Studies, such as those conducted by Acierno, indicate that elder abuse is a serious issue affecting a significant percentage of the elderly population. Factors that seem to increase the risk of elder abuse include caregiver stress, lack of support, and isolation, as well as the caregiver's experience, or lack thereof.
Specifically, caregivers with high stress levels, other demands, or living full-time with dependent elders are at a higher risk of perpetrating abuse. It's also noteworthy that elder abuse may occur more frequently when caregivers have psychiatric disorders, less training, or when there's an absence of proper conflict resolution skills.