Elder abuse is one of the major health and safety concerns associated with the aging process. One category of the characteristics of the aging process are specific physiological changes, such as various neurological disorders, impaired cognition, memory loss, the loss of learning ability, and a decline in special senses. Other characteristics can be presented by changes in musculoskeletal system, such as decreasing bone and muscle mass and increased adiposity (D’Onofrio et al., 2018, p. 56). In addition, elderly age is associated with changes in body composition, such as the loss of the lean tissues and organ cells.
The vulnerability caused by these characteristics is closely linked to various types of elder abuse. Thus, individuals suffering from memory loss and similar cognitive conditions can become victims of physical and mental abuse, as they are not able to oppose or prevent mistreatment (D’Onofrio et al., 2018, p. 56). Mental conditions and physical weakness generally associated with older age can also lead to financial exploitation, as the elderly may not be capable of monitoring their financial issues (D’Onofrio et al., 2018). Finally, elderly individuals can become victims of neglect, as caregivers and other people can take advantage of them due to their trustfulness and physical and mental health issues.
The characteristics and factors discussed above in many ways determine the aspects of consideration a nurse must be mindful of while performing a health assessment on a geriatric patient when compared to a middle-aged adult. First, nurses have to gather data concerning the patient’s chronic and acute conditions (Unutmaz et al., 2018). They also need to assess all the risks that may be involved due to patients’ fragile health. In addition, they need to provide comprehensive explanations to their patients’ relatives concerning the treatment plans, drugs administration, risk mitigation, and disease prevention in order to avoid complications.
References
D’Onofrio, G., Sancarlo, D., & Greco, A. (2018). Gerontology. BoD – Books on Demand.
Unutmaz, G., Soysal, P., Tuven, B., & Isik, A. T. (2018). Costs of medication in older patients: Before and after comprehensive geriatric assessment.Clinical Interventions in Aging, 13, 607-613.