Table of Contents

About This Course

1. Introduction to Elder Abuse
2. The Basics of Elder Abuse
3. Substance Use and Other Risk Factors
4. Screening and Assessment
5. Intervention and Treatment
6. Preventing Elder Abuse

Supplements
Case Studies
References
Resources

Out of the Shadows
Uncovering Substance Use and Elder Abuse

Caregiver Survival Tips

Family caregivers can enhance their protective factors to reduce the risk that they will become abusive. The Administration on Aging's National Family Caregiver Support Program has created the following caregiver survival tips:

• Plan ahead.
• Learn about available resources.
• Take 1 day at a time.
• Develop contingency plans.
• Accept help.
• Make YOUR health a priority.
• Get enough rest and eat properly.
• Make time for leisure.
• Be good to yourself!
• Share your feelings with others.

A study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and the American Association of Retired Persons identified numerous coping mechanisms found to reduce caregiver stress levels. Caregivers frequently used one or more of the following: ref

• Prayer -- 73 percent
• Talking with friends or relatives -- 61 percent
• Reading about caregiving -- 44 percent
• Exercise -- 41 percent
• Seeking information on the Internet -- 33 percent

Less commonly used techniques included seeking help from a professional or spiritual counselor (27 percent) or taking medication (12 percent).

Professionals, family members, and others can help caregivers avoid faulty coping mechanisms, such as avoidance, smoking, drinking, or overeating.ref