In the ages of family membership lie two very vulnerable populations: the children and the elderly. They are both in the extreme point. These two groups are highly susceptible to abuse and neglect. Abuse and neglect precipitate from the developmental and situational happenings or factors. A child for example is in high risk for abuse when the child comes from a family with history of violence. There is possible psychological, physical and emotional abuse that a child experiences in life.
On the other side the elderly people are prone to neglect by family members or even by the caregiver. Neglect is the silent killer of the elderly; threat is not what is done to patients, but instead, what is not done for them. (Gannet Healthcare Group, 2008).
The family and sometimes the caregivers failed to give enough care and medical assistance to the elderly patients.
There are many other forms of maltreatments and abuse committed to both the young and old member of the family. They are at risk because of their weaknesses or vulnerability. Young children and old people are prone to abuse by adults because of they cannot defend themselves. Nurses have important role in the prevention and treatment of abuse and neglect.
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Interventions
Primary or universal interventions are offered to everyone. The nurses could provide support and education before the problem could arise. These three levels of intervention, treatment or prevention should focus both on the child, the elder patient, the parents, the family and also the community. Primary intervention focused on the prevention of abuse and neglect by promoting awareness and safety programs. Secondary training involves identification of the cause and assertiveness training for the child and elder at risk of abuse and neglect. Tertiary intervention involves therapeutic, protection programs and intensive community interventions to help reduce further risk of abuse and neglect in the future.
The Review on The Impact of Parental Substance Abuse Upon Children
... and others. Child maltreatment is defined as abuse, neglect and acts of omission which place the children at risk for harm ... amp; McKeganey (2004). According to Wolfe (1999), successful intervention for child abuse include strategies that focus on positive parenting skills, ... to be placed upon children intervention. Parental drug use mpacts the home and family environment and child care-taking in ...
References
“Defining the Public Health Model for the Child Welfare Services Context.” (2007).
Australian Institute of Family Studies. Retrieved October 6, 2008, from http://www.aifs.gov.au/
Cole, M., RN, MSN (2000).
“Elder Abuse: A Crying Shame.” Gannet Healthcare Group. Retrieved October 6, 2008, from http://www.nurse.com
