1. Elder Abuse
Chapter 18

2. Elder Abuse Rapidly growing problem Types of elder abuse
Estimated 1 out of every 20 older Americans abused each year
Types of elder abuse
Physical abuse
Psychological abuse
Financial abuse or exploitation
Neglect
Sexual abuse

3. Characteristics of Abused Elder
Age-related syndromes resulting in frailty and functional decline increase susceptibility to abuse
People older than 80 are 2 to 3 times as likely to suffer abuse
Older women more likely than men
Caretaker stress and burden have been implicated as causative factors
Research indicates that characteristics of elder abuser are most like that of the abuser in IPV
Most cases of elder abuse are done by a family member

4. Nursing Process: Assessment Guidelines
Health care professionals mandated to report elder abuse and neglect to APS
Signs of abuse are very similar to those of victims of IPV
Determine if elder:
Fears being alone with caregiver
Has signs of obvious malnutrition
Has bedsores or skin lesions
Is in need of medical/dental care
Reports abuse or neglect
Behaves in passive, withdrawn, or emotionless manner

5. Nursing Process: Diagnosis and Outcomes Identification
Common nursing diagnoses
Risk for injury, Acute/Chronic pain, Fear, Anxiety, Risk for self- or other-directed violence, Self-care deficit, Powerlessness, Adult failure to thrive
Outcomes identification
Guidelines available for suspected elder abuse
If abuse suspected, important to refer to APS

6. Nursing Process: Planning and Implementation
Arrange for housing services
Obtain medical services
Address personal needs (food delivery, caretaker services)
Provide service coordination
Serve as patient advocate
Implementation
Providing medical services, legal intervention, and social services

7. Guidelines for Intervention for Elder Abuse
Check state law regarding elder abuse
Involve Adult Protective Services
Meet with other family members and others to identify stressors
If no family members, notify other community agencies that may help abuser and elder
Encourage abuser’s use of counseling

8. Nursing Process: Evaluation
Evaluation of interventions based on:
Whether survivor acknowledges violence, is willing to accept intervention, or is removed from violent situation
Important that multidisciplinary team be involved in providing services to victim, abuser, and other involved family member
Follow-up if essential in helping decrease frequency of family violence