OLDER ABUSE

OLDER ABUSE

OLDER:

• A human being is more than age of 60 years.

DESCRIPTION:

 

• Abuse of an older adult involves physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; neglect; and economic exploitation.
• Older adults at most risk include individuals who are dependent because of illness, immobility, or altered mental status.
• Factors that contribute to abuse and neglect include long-standing family violence, caregiver stress, and the older adult's increasing dependence on others.
• Victims may attempt to dismiss injuries as accidental, and abusers may prevent victims from receiving proper medical care to avoid discovery.
• Victims often are isolated socially by their abusers.
• Domestic mistreatment takes place in the home of the older adult and is usually carried out by a family membrane or significant others; this can include physical maltreatment, neglect, or abandonment.
• Institutional mistreatment takes place when an older adult experiences abuse when hospitalized or living somewhere other than home (e.g., long term care facility).
• Self-neglect is the choice by a mentally competent individual to avoid medical care or other services that could improve optimal function, to not care for one-self, and engage in actions that negatively effect his or her personal safety; unless declared legally incompetent, an individual has the right to refuse care.

ASSESSMENT:

PHYSICAL ABUSE:

• Sprains, dislocation, or fractures
• Abrasions, bruises, or lacerations
• Pressure sores
• Puncture wounds
• Burns
• Skin tears

SEXUAL ABUSE:

• Torn or stained underclothing
• Discomfort or bleeding in the genital areas
• Difficulty in walking or sitting
• Unexplained genital infections or disease

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

• Confusion
• Fearful and agitated
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Withdrawn and loss of interest in self and social activities

NEGLECT

• Disheveled appearance
• Dressed inadequately or inappropriately
• Dehydration and malnutrition
• Lacking physical needs, such as glasses, hearing aids, and dentures

SIGNS OF MEDICATION OVERDOSE

ECONOMICS EXPLOITATION:

• Inability to pay bills and fearful when discussing finances
• Confused, inaccurate, or no knowledge of finances

INTERVENTIONS:

• Assess for physical injuries and treat physical injuries.
• Report case of suspected abuse to appropriate authorities (follow state and agency guidelines).
• Separate the older adult from the abusive environment, if possible, and contact adult protective services for assistance in placement while the abuse is being investigated.
• Explore alternative living arrangements that are least restrictive and disruptive to the victim.
• The older adult who has been abused may need assistance for financial or legal matters.
• Provide referrals to emergency community resources.
• When working with caregivers, assess the need for respite care or counselling if needed to deal with caregiver stress.

ACTIONS TO TAKE WHEN AN OLDER CLIENT IS PHYSICALLY ABUSED: 

1. Assess and treat the wounds.
2. Ensure the victim is removed from the threatening environment.
3. Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws.
4. Notify the caseworker of the situation.
5. Document the occurrence, findings, actions taken, and the victim's response.

• When a victim is abused, the priority is to assess and treat any physical injuries.
• We need to stay with the victim and provides comfort and support.
• After physical injuries are treated, we ensures that client is safe and is removed from the threatening environment.
• Eider abuse needs to be reported.
• We should also contact the caseworker of the situation so that the incident is reported and follow-up can occur.
• If there is no caseworker, contacts social services or the appropriate service to initiate this process.