Abstract
This research investigates the problem of elder abuse. The research focuses on the identification of the factors underlying the problem.
In the study, both the frequency and the severity of physical and emotional abuse are found to be related positively with the level of stress perceived by caregivers, the cognitive status of the elderly person, the physical status of the elderly person, and the substance abuse status of caregivers. Both the frequency and the severity of financial abuse are also found to be related positively with the level of financial stress characterizing the caregiver-elderly person relationship.
The findings of this study that caregiver stress and substance abuse by caregivers affect the frequency and severity of physical and emotional abuse, and that financial stress affects the frequency and severity of financial abuse are consistent with current theory. The findings that the frequency and severity of elder abuse are related to both the cognitive and physical status of the elderly person for whom care is provided, however, are consistent with some current theory but also are contrary to some current theory. The study concludes that further research is recommended to explore in greater depth the relationship between elder abuse and the physical and mental status of the elderly person for who care is provided in a family environment. Further research also is recommended with respect to developing improved schemes for providing financial assistance for such caring arrangements.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Definitions of Terms
Overview of the Remainder of the Study
Review of the Literature
Cognitive Abilities and Development
Stress
Related Research
Conclusions Relative to the Study Problem
Method
Hypotheses
Variables and Operational Definitions
Population and Sample
Instrumentation
Data Analysis
Summary
Results
Results Testing Hypothesis 1
Results Testing Hypothesis 2
Results Testing Hypothesis 3
Results Testing Hypothesis 4
Results Testing Hypothesis 5
Results Testing Hypothesis 6
Results Testing Hypothesis 7
Results Testing Hypothesis 8
Results Testing Hypothesis 9
Results Testing Hypothesis 10
Discussion
Summary of the Results
Discussion and Implications for Current Theory
Recommendations for Further Research
Implications for Professional Practice
References

From the Paper
"The increasing awareness that some elderly persons are physically abused and neglected by family members has been accompanied by a widespread assumption about elder abuse: that it is inflicted by well meaning individuals, often the adult children of victims, who are pushed over the edge by the stress of caring for a frail, dependent old person. According to Pillemer & Finkelhor (1989), the falsity of that assumption was revealed by findings that relatively well-functioning elderly people were found to usually be the victims of abuse, which is often inflicted by emotionally disturbed or violent family members. A typical abuser was found to be a person who depends on the victim for money, transportation, housing and household repairs. Elderly victims were no more disabled or dependent on their abusers than were comparison subjects on their relatives. Abusers, however, were much more likely than relatives in the comparison group to have been arrested, hospitalized for a psychiatric disorder, involved in violent behavior outside the family, or limited by a physical problem (Pillemer & Finkelhor, 1989). The generalizations of these findings have been challenged by more recent studies (Saad, Hartman, Kurian, Graham, Wilcock, & Ballard, 1995).
Some states have passed laws for mandatory reporting of elder abuse, which means that doctors and social workers must report suspected abuse (Arbetter, 1995). Communities are encouraging neighbors to keep an eye on seniors. Some communities are considering the establishment of shelters similar to those organized for battered women. Some communities also are expanding senior day care services and support services for caregivers (Arbetter, 1995)."

Tags:social, worker, trauma, senior, illness, stress

Abstract
This paper examines how parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping children learn and how it is important for parents and teachers to support children's learning and development, enhance learning through play, and help a child develop confidence and self-worth. It looks at how education innovators, such as Jean Piaget, Robert Owen, Jan Amos Komensky, and Jean Jacques Rousseau, have all had a great impact on education today and discusses how these innovators have impacted the author's belief about how parents and caregivers play a vital role in a child's learning.

From the Paper
"Play is one of the main ways in which children learn. Because play is fun, children often become absorbed in what they are doing. It is important for a parent and a caregiver to provide appropriate materials for children to explore. Also, it is important for the parent and caregiver to give the child freedom in what they are exploring, and to facilitate the child. As Piaget stated, "Discovery learning and supporting the developing interests of the child are two primary instructional techniques. It is recommended that parents and teachers challenge the child's abilities, but NOT present material or information that is too far beyond the child's level." (http://ship.edu/-cgboeree/piaget.html) The materials provided must be developmentally appropriate for the children. Also, they should meet the children's interests."

Tags:amos, jacques, jan, jean, komensky, owen, piaget, robert, rousseau

Abstract
This paper presents a review of the literature available concerning the relationship between caregivers and the recipients of their care. Particular emphasis is placed on literature that looks at the impact that gender has on the role of the caregiver.

From the Paper
"The question of what impact gender has in caregiving and/or the distribution of caregiving tasks among family members when caring for aging parents is a significant one, given the aging of the population and what has been reported as a breakdown in family structure. By far the literature provides information concerning care by the spouse. There is an overwhelming need for studies centered on family members and roles involved in caregiving activities for parents."

Tags:caring, dependents, relationship, illness, disability, dependency, spouse, family, relatives

Abstract
This research examines differences in physical and mental health status between minority-group grandparents raising grandchildren and those who are not involved in this care-giving role. The discussion builds on earlier studies of grandparent caregivers, using a national data set, but it is unique in that it explores the physical and mental health of the growing sub-population of minority-group grandparents who are raising grandchildren.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review of the Literature
Methods
Results
Discussion
Implications for Research and Practice
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Minority caregivers will be significantly more likely than their non care-giving peers to have limitations in four of the five activities of daily living (ADL) investigated . Caregivers will have more problems moving around inside the house and doing day-to-day tasks. The levels of limitation will be quite substantial, with 29 percent of caregivers reporting "a lot of limitation" climbing a flight of stairs and two of five caregivers indicating that they will have a lot of limitation walking six blocks. Approximately two-thirds of caregivers will have at least one limitation, and the mean number of limitations will too. No significant differences will be found between Minority caregivers and non-caregivers with respect to self-reported health status or with their reported ability to bathe, dress, and provide other personal care."

Tags:ADL, surrogate, community

Abstract
This paper discusses how a person's illness usually spills over to the family and friends who surround them and how, although they may not feel the same type of mental pain as their crippled loved ones, they are also victims. It looks at how these caregivers are weighed down with the many burdens that come with providing for a mentally ill person and examines how to keep them from becoming ill and overwhelmed themselves. These caregivers need information and advice on how to cope with their ill relatives.

From the Paper
"Caregivers also suffer from subjective burdens, or emotional issues because they are having problems with their coping skills: They have feelings of guilt, remorse, anguish, stress, self-blame, depression, anger and grief. The providers feel badly about not doing enough, remorse at the changes occurring, anxiety and fear about the future, and frustration about the many ways that this illness has changed their family members' lives. Caregivers often have to put their own plans on hold, which can lead to feelings of anger and resentment. On top of this is the disruption of social activities due to the stigmatism associated with mental illness."

Tags:nursing, support, stress, depression

Abstract
A number of studies have been conducted over the past decade that provide insights into the type of emotional problems that can occur in the caregivers. There is also research that is done to determine the means by which the emotional turmoil can be reduced if not eliminated. This paper offers example of both types of studies. Although any type of illness can be used, a number of these articles use the emotional problems resulting from having a parent who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. It explains that this illness can be very similar to dementia that often afflicts the elderly.

From the Paper
"Increasing numbers of the babyboomer generation are having to take care of their aging parents in addition to other responsibilities, such as sending their children to college and working full time to pay for rising expenses. The degree of stress that occurs regardless when caring for someone who is ill, is aggravated because of emotions including guilt that one is not doing enough, fear that a loved one is suffering, sadness that a life is coming to an end and depression from frustration and exhaustion. Resources are another difficulty. In many cases, the older children do not even live in the same area as their aging parent and have to find services that are at a premium and vary considerably from one place to the next. Or, if living near one another, considerable time is required to run errands, go to and from the doctors, and respond to phone calls at all time day and night. It takes its emotional toll upon the strongest of individuals. Until recently, discussion of care giving focused on the recipients of care. However, increasingly specialists are addressing the needs of relatives and other informal caregivers."

Tags:babyboomer, aging, alzheimer's, disease, stress, patient, dementia

Abstract
The paper relates that elder abuse is a widespread issue that is prevalent in every country, but the problem is about to achieve much broader proportions because of a rapidly aging population. This paper uses the sociological perspective of symbolic interactionism to examine why elder abuse takes place and how society perceives this issue when it does occur. The paper notes that as research demonstrates, perceptions of elder abuse are not necessarily fair but instead are influenced by assumptions about gender as well as by ageism (Kinstle & Hodell, 2008). The paper also relates that older males consider the issue in terms of the future and their own increasing vulnerabilities whereas older women link elder abuse to their past experience as caregivers. The paper shows how culture plays an important role in the perception of abuse because of the high significance of family relationships.

From the Paper
"Elder abuse is a widespread issue that is prevalent in every country. The problem is about to achieve much broader proportions because of a rapidly aging population. This paper will use the sociological perspective of symbolic interactionism to examine why elder abuse takes place and how society perceives this issue when it does occur. As research demonstrates, perceptions of elder abuse are not necessarily fair but instead are influenced by assumptions about gender as well as by ageism (Kinstle & Hodell, 2008). The factors of age and gender are crucial in how elder..."

Tags:elder, abuse, meaning

Abstract
The paper discusses how based on European attitudes, it was assumed that women of color were suited to be caretakers for Euro-American women (Hassouneh-Phillips, 2003). The paper explains that nurses, because the profession is overwhelmingly female, are regarded as unskilled caregivers. The paper presents the hypothesis that nurses are being exploited because of gender, race and class and are confronted with unreasonable demands, to the extent that candidates are not being attracted to the profession.

From the Paper
"This study addresses five ways in which health care reforms have impacted on women's roles as caregivers. The caregiver who was interviewed is a registered nurse who has also been heavily impacted by sexism, racism and classicism. The main issues that were investigated involved restructuring of the health care system, the nursing cutbacks and discrimination, new trends in nursing and an ideal model of care. The views that the nurse provided were then compared with the statements made by Gustafson (2000). The three interrelated themes that repeatedly emerged in this study were sexism, racism and classicism."

Tags:reforms, nurses, impact

Abstract
The paper addresses the issue of Alzheimer's disease by labeling it a veritable epidemic which will very likely affect all individuals either directly or indirectly. The paper first deals with the emotional devastation the caregiver faces, as he has to watch a loved one lose general motor and cognitive function. The paper also notes the need for the caregiver to distinguish between the condition of Alzheimer's and those who are just physically infirm. In addition, the paper addresses the challenge of communication and the measures that must be taken to protect against the physical danger the Alzheimer sufferer faces. The paper asserts that it is up to the caregiver to ultimately find a deeper connection which will allow him to adapt to the new situation.

From the Paper
"Research reveals that our country is suffering from a veritable epidemic of Alzheimer's directly related to the fact that the longer our average life span becomes with the aid of medication and technology, the more propensity there in the lifespan for the manifestation of Alzheimer's as well. The uncomfortable truth is that the body is outliving the mind in this day of technology and medical support. Doctors estimate that Alzheimer's affects half of people who reach age 85. Research further clarifies that any individual is likely to either contract Alzheimer's or become a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's. In effect, there is a real need to prepare for that day when one becomes caretaker, as it is more than likely to take place."

Tags:emotions, communication, support, elderly

Abstract
This paper discusses what it means to be a care giver to the elderly or the functionally and/or cognitively impaired. According to this paper, care givers need to be available at times when day centres are not in operation.

From the Paper
"Care giving is a term that encompasses a broad range of activities. Care giving is a term often applied to taking care of the elderly. If you were a caregiver, what would be the three most important services/resources your use and why? As a caregiver I would like to have different types of services or resources available. These resources make a difference in care giving. Some of these services are: Adult Day Services Adult day services are community-based group programs designed to meet the needs of functionally and/or cognitively impaired adults through an individual plan of care. These structured, comprehensive programs provide a variety of health, social, and other related support services in a protective setting during any part of a day, but less than 24-hour care. Adult day centers generally operate programs during normal business hours five days a week."

Tags:caregivers, elderly, death