Elder Abuse Chapter 18 Elder Abuse Rapidly growing

Elder Abuse Chapter 18

Elder Abuse • Rapidly growing problem – 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– Has bedsores or skin lesions – Is in need of medical/dental care – Reports abuse or neglect – Behaves in passive, withdrawn, or emotionless manner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 • Planning – 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