Question

You are interviewing an elderly patient and begin to suspect that the patient is suffering from abuse, neglect and/or exploitation. What type of signs would suggest elder abuse? How do you report elder mistreatment in your state? Are there specific laws that govern elder abuse, neglect and exploitation?

Answer 1

Elder abuse is defined as when someone harms or neglects a person age 60years or more. There are different types of elder abuse.

Physical abuse

Signs are burns, cuts, bleefing, fractured bones, repeated injures, refused treatment.

Sexual abuse

Signs are torn or bloody clothes, sexually transmitted diseases, bruises on breast or genital area, bleeding from vagina.

Psychological abuse

Signs are social withdrawal, marked changes in behaviour, depression, confusion, lack of interest in activities.

Financial abuse

Signs are withdrawals from bank account, legal documents that have been changed forcefully or disappeared, unpaid bills, forcing to put signature.

Neglect

Signs are remaining unclean, sudden loss of weight, bedsores.

There is adult protective services in states. If we inform them the agency will sent their representatives to check out the reported complaint and to take actions.

There is federal and state laws to protect elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. Federal laws include Elder justice Act 2009, The older American act, Elder abuse victims act of 2009. State laws include Adult protective services, criminal codes, family laws and civil remedies.