In long-term care settings, the incidence of violence is: Falling. Rising. Rising in those settings in high-crime areas. Remaining about the same.
In long-term care settings, the incidence of violence is: Falling. Rising. Rising in those settings in high-crime areas. Remaining about the same.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Rising
Explanation:
The incidence of violence in long-term care settings is rising. This increase is attributed to several interrelated factors that affect both residents and staff in these environments.
First, the aging population is growing, resulting in higher occupancy rates in long-term care facilities. Many residents suffer from cognitive impairments such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, which can lead to aggressive or unpredictable behaviors. These conditions can cause confusion, paranoia, and frustration, which may manifest as physical or verbal aggression toward caregivers or other residents.
Second, staffing shortages are a persistent issue in long-term care. Understaffing leads to higher workloads, burnout, and increased stress among healthcare workers, which can heighten tensions and reduce the ability to manage residents’ challenging behaviors safely. When staff are overworked or inadequately trained in de-escalation techniques, incidents of violence are more likely to occur.
Additionally, there is growing recognition and reporting of workplace violence. Staff members in these settings face not only resident-to-staff aggression but also lateral violence (aggression between coworkers) and, in rare cases, violence from visitors or family members. As awareness grows, so does the documentation and reporting of such incidents, contributing to the perception—and the reality—that violence is increasing.
Furthermore, some studies suggest that violence in long-term care is not confined to facilities in high-crime areas. While location may play a role, the trends appear consistent across various geographic and socioeconomic settings, indicating that the issue is systemic rather than localized.
In conclusion, the rising incidence of violence in long-term care settings is a complex issue involving resident behavior, workforce challenges, and systemic healthcare shortcomings. Addressing it requires a multi-faceted approach that includes better staffing, training, facility design, and policy interventions.
