Risk Factors for Elder Abuse · Social isolation of older person and caregiver · Chronic disorder and/or functional impairment - decreased ability to escape abuse and defend oneself. · Cognitive impairment of victim - people with dementia can show aggression towards caregivers which can precipitate abuse. · Substance abuse by abuser · Psychiatric disorders of abuser · History of violence by abuser - especially between spouses · Dependence of abuser · Stress affecting abuser · Shared living arrangements of abusers and victim - tension and conflict build up which can increase risk of abuse.

Rights of the Older Person                   (102.003 Texas Human Resources Code) The elderly individual has all the rights, benefits, responsibilites, and privileges granted by the constitution and laws of Texas and the United States, except where lawfully restricted. An elderly individual has the right to be treated with dignity and respect for the personal integrity of the individual, without regard to race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, or source of payment (nursing facility). Some of the specific rights are listed below for elderly persons in nursing facilities. Any person in a nursing home should be, at all times, be dressed, well groomed and clean.  He or she should be allowed to express preferences about food, sleeping and waking times.  Any treatments or personal care should be given in private, not in front of an open door. These are just a few examples of the rights of the older person,  you can find more at the following My Favorites Links (tdoa.state.tx.us/)