Elder Safety Concerns

1 LGBTQ, Elder / Child Safety Concerns / Advocacy Over the last few decades, improvements in the healthcare industry have increased life expectancy and enhanced the quality of life of older people. The positive changes in the healthcare industry have led to an increase in the number of older people. Studies assessing the demographic faces of the elderly, as highlighted by Johnsona and Appold (2017), show that the world is aging rapidly. The number and proportions of individuals above 60 are increasing significantly, although the rates vary from one region to another. In the United States, statistical estimates show that older adults comprise 13% of the population. This population is expected to surpass the 20% mark based on the current trend. It is projected that over the next 50 years, the U.S will have a large population of elders (Vespa, Armstrong & Medina, 2018). Unfortunately, the increase in the older adults’ population has its fair share of problems. Older adults are the largest population of vulnerable persons.

They present with health conditions that affect mobility, decision-making, and participation in daily living activities (Vespa, Armstrong & Medina, 2018). These people do not have the physical and psychological strength to fight for their rights. Their level of dependence is higher than other age. Healthcare professionals should establish a safe environment to facilitate the delivery of quality care to the elderly population. This paper explores the elder safety concerns highlighting the risk factors and the strategies to address these issues effectively.

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2 Elder Safety Concerns Older adults are faced with numerous challenges in their search for care. For instance, these people depend on relatives for financial support in all aspects of life. Overdependence places this population at a higher risk of being abused. Relatives may start viewing elders as a burden (Vespa, Armstrong & Medina, 2018). At this point, the possibility of elder abuse is significantly high. The common types of elder abuse are neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse, exploitation, and abandonment. Elder abuse is defined as the intentional failure to take the right action when dealing with older people leading to a risk of harm. Elder abuse is a threat to the safety of these people in all settings. Elder abuse by relatives indicates that not all homes offer a safe environment to this vulnerable population.

Elder safety is also a contentious issue in healthcare settings. Health Leaders (2015) noted that old age is one factor that increases the risk of a person being discriminated against in healthcare settings. Approximately 1 in 5 older adults seeking healthcare services reports some form of age-related discrimination (Health Leaders, 2015). Discrimination is greater among those who present with disabilities.

Another safety issue facing older adults in healthcare settings is the risk of falling. Age and underlying conditions lower the physical strength of older adults, thus predisposing them to fall. Other factors that increase the risk of falling among older adults are cognitive impairment, medication use, and sensory deficits (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2010).

Phelan, Mahoney, Voit, and Stevens (2015) noted that over 40% of falls in the community and hospital settings occur every year among older adults. Most of these falls lead to injury and disability, further affecting the health of an already vulnerable person. The medical cost of fall-

3 related complications is estimated at over $30 billion (Phelan, Mahoney, Voit, and Stevens, 2015).

Strategies to Improve Older Adult’s Safety Healthcare professionals should establish an environment that guarantees the safety of all patient populations. Professionals can achieve such an environment through several strategies, including organizational restructuring, policy development, and family involvement in health care. Structural reorganization is a valid safety improvement measure that involves establishing fall barriers and other protective measures (Eby, Molnar & St. Louis, 2018). Fall barriers include grab-bars in the hallways and stairs, bed barriers, wheelchairs and walkers. These tools are effective in reducing the risk of falls among patients with mobility issues. Policy development is also an effective safety improvement measure. Policies aim to reduce age-related discrimination and elder abuse in healthcare settings. Clinicians must follow the established guidelines and standards of care to ensure the services given to older adults address the health needs of these people (Eby, Molnar & St. Louis, 2018). Family involvement in health care is crucial for older adult’s safety. The clinician can detect elder abuse incidences since family members provide comprehensive details of the social life and health history of older clients. Family education can help improve harmony among family members, subsequently reducing the risk of abuse.

Conclusion Older adults comprise a significantly huge proportion of the population. The vulnerability of this population places individuals at a greater risk of abuse and other safety issues. In the community, older people face abuse from relatives. In healthcare settings, older people are subjected to age-related discrimination. This risk of falling in hospital and community settings is

4 also higher among the elderly. Healthcare professionals need to collaborate with families and communities to establish a safe environment for older adults.

5 References Eby, D, W., Molnar, L, J., & St. Louis, R, M. (2018). Perspectives and Strategies for Promoting Safe Transportation among Older Adults. Elsevier Science.

Health Leaders (2015). 1 in 5 Adults Reports Age Discrimination in Healthcare Settings. https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/clinical-care/1-5-adults-report-age-discriminationhealthcare-settings Johnson, J. H., & Appold, S. J. (2017). US older adults: Demographics, living arrangements, and barriers to aging in place. Kenan Institute. 1-32 National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2010). Nursing pathways for patient safety (1st ed.). Elsevier Saunders.

Phelan, E. A., Mahoney, J. E., Voit, J. C., & Stevens, J. A. (2015). Assessment and management of fall risk in primary care settings. The Medical clinics of North America, 99(2), 281– 293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2014.11.004 Vespa, J., Armstrong, D. M., & Medina, L. (2018). Demographic turning points for the United States: Population projections for 2020 to 2060. Current Population Reports, 1-15.