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

Preventing Elder Abuse in Long-Term Care Settings

The National Center on Elder Abuse commissioned a review of research related to preventing abuse in nursing homes and other long-term care (LTC) settings. Among the strategies identified:ref

• Assure coordination among law enforcement, regulatory, adult protection, and nursing home advocacy groups.
• Support education and training in interpersonal caregiver skills, managing difficult resident care situations, problem solving, cultural issues affecting staff/resident relationships, conflict resolution, stress reduction techniques, information about dementia, and reporting abuse.
• Improve work conditions for health care staff.
• Assure compliance with Federal requirements concerning hiring of nurse aides.
• Promote environments conducive to good care.
• Assure strict enforcement of mandatory reporting and educate the public.
• Improve support for nurse aides.
• Support and strengthen resident councils.
• Screen prospective employees for criminal backgrounds, history of substance abuse and domestic violence, ability to manage anger and stress, reactions to abusive residents, and feelings related to caring for the elderly.