Deck 9: Social Work Practice in Identifying and Preventing Abuse and Neglect of Older Adults

Question 1

Which of the following acts are not considered elder abuse?

A) Withholding of medications
B) Sexual contact between residents in a nursing home
C) Unauthorized signatures on a social security check
D) Daughter repeatedly calling her mother unkind names

Answer 1

Sexual contact between residents in a nursing home

Question 2

What factors consistently place older adults at risk for abuse?

A) Retirement
B) Living in a nursing home
C) History of domestic violence
D) Race and ethnicity

Answer 2

History of domestic violence

Question 3

Perpetrators of abuse:

A) Are mostly men
B) Financially dependent on the older person
C) Have substance abuse or mental health problems
D) All of the above

Answer 3

All of the above

Question 4

Guardianship is the choice of last resort:

A) To make decisions on behalf of an older adult found to lack capacity (competence)
B) Can be determined on line
C) Can be easily revoked
D) Still allows a person to decide where to live

Question 5

Representative payees:

A) Are self-appointed
B) Can sign Social Security checks for the older person
C) Is the most restrictive measure to manage the older person's finances
D) The requirements for this role vary from state to state

Question 6

Abuse and neglect in nursing homes:

A) May involve inappropriate use of restraints
B) Failure to protect the older person from predatory workers
C) Overuse of medication
D) All of the above

Question 7

The alleged abuser should be interviewed:

A) Only if he/she is willing to talk
B) Only if the older adult agrees
C) Usually the responsibility of the APS worker
D) Only the police

Question 8

Adult day care provides:

A) Protection from abusers
B) Alternative to medical care
C) Instructions on how to use the bathroom
D) Reduction of tension with the caregiver by leaving the home during the day

Question 9

Occupational therapist can help to modify the environment in all way except:

A) Locking all the windows and doors
B) Assistive devices like grab bars to prevent falls
C) Modifying the bath tub
D) Modifying eating utensils

Question 10

The most common mistreatment in nursing homes is:

A) Verbal /emotional abuse
B) Sexual abuse
C) Financial abuse
D) Physical abuse

Question 11

Describe the dilemma of self-neglect - Should it be considered a form of elder abuse and reported to APS?

Question 12

Describe the ethical concerns when an older adult refuses protective services.

Question 13

What characteristics of caregivers, family or other acquaintances are associated with high risk of elder abuse?

Question 14

Discuss the difficulties social workers may face in providing support services for an alleged abuser.

Question 15

What preventative measures can be provided for an older adult to protect him/herself from mistreatment?

Question 16

What is the difference between guardianship and limited guardianship?

Question 17

What makes women more vulnerable to mistreatment?

Question 18

As a social worker in a mental health facility how would you respond to indications that an older client was subject to abuse by a son. How would you explain the need to report the potential abuse to APS without disengaging her from your relationship?

Question 19

As a social worker in a health care setting, your client has to make a decision for surgery. You are concerned she does not understand the nature of the procedure nor the consequences of refusing treatment. What should you do?

Question 20

How can a social worker assess the older person for signs of abuse?