Ethical Issues
Ethical Issues in Gerontology Ethical Issues in Gerontology Nowadays, nurses who provide elder care
are faced with several legal and ethical dilemmas in a daily basis. Besides to the social and legal
dilemma it creates, elder abuse, neglect or also known as elder mistreatment is a massive health care
crisis that can lead to long term health complications and even death (Fulmer Greenberg, 2012). The
purpose of this paper is to review the literature and examine the nature of elder abuse in relation to its
legal and ethical implications. Furthermore, this paper is intended to discuss the causes and types of
elder abuse; professional responsibilities related to reporting, documenting, and intervening in cases of
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The cause of elder abuse is multifaceted. Generally, a combination of psychological, social, and
economic factors, as well as mental and physical conditions of the victim and perpetrator contribute to
the occurrence of elder abuse Wagner, Greenberg, Capezuti, 2002 as cited on (Fulmer Greenberg,
2012). In the developing world family members provide 60% to 80% of long term care of their elderly
significant others (American Psychological Association, 2012). Consequently, the burden of providing
constant physical care needs such as toileting and bathing can be particularly stressful. The complexity
of providing care to a physically, cognitively or emotionally impaired elderly individual can also be
tremendous. Depression, confusion, Alzheimer s disease, or incontinence on the part of the aging
person can make care giving especially overwhelming ((American Psychological Association, 2012).
According to American Psychological Association (2006), in addition to providing in average 20
hours a week at home on care giving responsibilities, about 64% of those family caregivers work
either part time or full time out side of home. As a result, the caregivers often suffer from interrupted
sleep, chronic fatigue, little or no privacy, and disintegrating personal lives. (National Center for Elder
Abuse, 2011). Furthermore, abuse can often escalates when the care giver faces economic hardships,
such as unable to pay the cost of health care services for the
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