In the elder client case, the problem contributing to nursing home placement was the husband's which behaviors?

In the elder client case, the problem contributing to nursing home placement was the husband's which behaviors?

• A. Hitting her and refusing to bathe or change his clothes.
• B. Wandering at night.
• C. Refusal to eat.
• D. Verbal aggression only.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is caregiver safety and ability to provide appropriate care. When the caregiver is both violent toward the elder and neglectful of his own hygiene and routines, the home environment becomes unsafe and unsustainable. Physical aggression toward the spouse (hitting her) creates direct risk of injury, while the caregiver’s refusal to bathe or change his clothes signals ongoing neglect of basic self-care and caregiving tasks. This combination undermines daily functioning, safety, and the quality of care, making nursing home placement a protective option to ensure the elder’s safety and access to needed services. Wandering at night, refusal to eat, or verbal aggression alone describe other issues but don’t capture the same clear, combined risk from caregiver abuse and neglect that strongest supports relocation to a facility.

The key idea is caregiver safety and ability to provide appropriate care. When the caregiver is both violent toward the elder and neglectful of his own hygiene and routines, the home environment becomes unsafe and unsustainable. Physical aggression toward the spouse (hitting her) creates direct risk of injury, while the caregiver’s refusal to bathe or change his clothes signals ongoing neglect of basic self-care and caregiving tasks. This combination undermines daily functioning, safety, and the quality of care, making nursing home placement a protective option to ensure the elder’s safety and access to needed services. Wandering at night, refusal to eat, or verbal aggression alone describe other issues but don’t capture the same clear, combined risk from caregiver abuse and neglect that strongest supports relocation to a facility.