Preventing and addressing abuse and neglect of older adults

The guideline should be reviewed and applied in accordance with both the needs of the individual organizations or practice settings and the needs and preferences of the older adult. [...] The Expert Panel was then convened and determined the purpose of the guideline: To expand the awareness of abuse and neglect of older adults and provide evidence-based recommendations for preventing and addressing abuse and neglect in all health-care settings across the continuum of care in Canada. [...] RNAO.ca 17 BACK G R O UN D Preventing and Addressing Abuse and Neglect of Older Adults: Person-Centred, Collaborative, System-Wide Approaches Background Defining abuse and neglect of older adults Abuse and neglect of older adults is a health and social problem with profound consequences that affects people from all walks of life. [...] In health-care settings, efforts to prevent and address abuse and neglect of older adults include the development and implementation of education programs for staff, screening and assessment tools, and policies and protocols. [...] The following are examples of resources that can assist nurses and other health-care providers in maintaining privacy and confidentiality when discussing issues of abuse and neglect: ■ Privacy legislation across Canada The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada provides provincial and territorial links to Oversight Offices and government organizations: