Elder Abuse Chapter 18

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

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

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Has bedsores or skin lesions Is in need of medical/dental care Reports abuse or neglect Behaves in passive, withdrawn, or emotionless manner

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

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

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

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