When planning the discharge of an older adult client, what community characteristic may indicate risk for neglect or abuse?

A neighborhood with many abandoned homes can indicate a higher risk for neglect or abuse of older adults. Abandoned properties often correspond with increased social issues, such as economic decline, reduced community cohesion, and less oversight or communal care, which can contribute to an environment where neglect or abuse becomes more likely. In such neighborhoods, community vigilance may be lower, and social supports may not be as robust, leading to vulnerable individuals, particularly elderly clients, being at greater risk without adequate protection or support systems.

In contrast, a supportive neighborhood, active social services, and a community with low crime rates typically foster an environment that promotes safety and well-being. These characteristics are more likely to provide the necessary resources and community involvement to help prevent neglect or abuse situations from arising.