1. Elder Abuse Rebecca Sposato MS, RN

2. Definition Any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. It includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, self-neglect or abandonment. It might be physical violence, isolation, or identity theft, or the theft or embezzlement of a senior’s property. (A.R.S. §13-3623 and A.R.S. § 46-451)

3. Quick Facts Prevalence: >1 million persons over age 60 experienced abuse, neglect, exploitation and neglect by someone they depended upon In 1996, 64.2% of all reports made were substantiated: 31.7% were self-neglect cases, 25.4% were cases of abuse by others, 7.1% were unknown. Know the local long-term care ombudsman resource and adult protective services

4. Perpetrators -Financial ties/dependent from either party -Abuser has personal problems -Caregiver fatigue and strain, feels stuck -Dependency and Isolation Other Contributors -Mal-adaption to the elderly person’s condition and characteristics -Previous abuse, impaired family dynamics

5. Assessment Cognitive and physical conditions impair getting an accurate history Do injuries and condition deviate from medical causes? ▫Delay in seeking care Living and care giving arrangements Social and personal resources

6. References National Center for Elder Abuse (2011). Retrieved from http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/Main_Site/i ndex.aspx