Final answer:
In a long-term care facility, the individual receiving care is often referred to as a resident. Research indicates that, if elderly people suffer abuse, it is most frequently committed by their caregivers. It highlights the worrying pattern of those in positions of trust being responsible for abuse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The person who receives care in a long-term care facility is typically referred to as the resident. This terminology emphasizes that the facility is their home for the duration of their stay, and it is where they receive around-the-clock care and support. It regards people staying in such facilities not just as recipients of medical care but as individuals living there, often for extended periods. Therefore, option C, resident, is the most appropriate term.
Exploration of Elder Abuse Perpetrators
When considering who most often perpetrates abuse against elderly individuals, data and research indicate that the abuse is most often inflicted by those in a caregiving role. Caregivers can include family members, professional healthcare workers, and others who have a duty of care to the elderly person. While it is uncomfortable to recognize, abuse in the elderly population often stems from those closest to them and in positions of trust and authority. Elder abuse is a significant issue in healthcare and social support systems, and threats can arise from various sources, including neglect, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, physical abuse, and more from the caregiver.
Therefore, the answer to the question 'If elderly people suffer abuse, it is most often perpetrated by' would be option B. caregivers. This points towards the sad reality that those who are meant to provide support and care are sometimes the ones responsible for neglect or abuse.