Elder Abuse

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Kohn ◽  
Jessica Warner ◽  
Wendy Verhoek-Oftedahl ◽  
Emily Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Emergency Room Visits ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
Adult Protective Services ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Medical Regimens ◽  
Home Placement

There are five principal domains of elder abuse: physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and financial abuse. This chapter discusses the prevalence, prediction, and assessment of elder abuse as well as other factors related to abuse. The incidence of elder abuse is 24 times greater than the number of cases referred to social service, law enforcement, or other legal authorities. Caregiver factors, rather than risk factors associated with the abused elder, may be more important in predicting abuse. Lack of compliance with medical regimens, delay in seeking medical care, disparity in explanations given for injuries, unexplained injuries, and implausible or vague explanations may be warning signs. Elder financial victimization can be classified as door-to-door scams, professional swindles, and caregiver abuse. Elder abuse increases mortality, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and skilled nursing home placement. The psychiatric assessment may raise red flags of suspected elder abuse and may necessitate reporting to adult protective services. Interventions should be tailored to the circumstances and the resources available.

scholarly journals Domestic Violence or Elder Abuse? Why it Matters for Older Women

2010 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Kilbane ◽  
Marcia Spira
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Legal Services ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Adult Protective Services

Law enforcement and legal services are 2 systems that respond to reports of abuse against women through programs such as adult protective services (APS) and domestic violence (DV). APS and DV systems operate independently and define the cause of the abuse differently. The designation of a woman as having suffered domestic violence or having been abused often depends on which system she enters. This designation can lead to different options for women to obtain services. Aging may further complicate access and usability of these systems to respond to the needs of abused elderly. Using vignettes, this article explores the definitions of abuse and highlights specific concerns of aging that impact usefulness of services.

scholarly journals Adult Protective Services and Law Enforcement: Does It Add or Subtract to the Precarity of Living Alone With Dementia?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 601-601
Author(s):  
Michael Splaine
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Space And Place ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Full Understanding ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Adult Protective Services ◽  
Online Groups ◽  
Loss Of Autonomy ◽  
Standard Practices ◽  
The U.S

Abstract In 2014, more than 12.5 million people age 65+ lived alone in the U.S. Of these, approximately one third had a cognitive impairment. Although protective services may identify risks to such individuals, they may not have a full understanding of the notion of precarity, or the looming uncertainty regarding space and place, that solo dwellers experience. This presentation explores the tension between the intentions of protective services and the experience of precarity for persons living alone. More specifically, persons living alone with dementia participating in online groups and community events report feelings of risk of loss of autonomy and rights if their status becomes known. The presenter will review these impressions against current police and adult protective services policies and standard practices.

scholarly journals Evaluating an Integrated APS–Elder Advocate Intervention Model in the State of Maine

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 695-695
Author(s):  
David Burnes ◽  
Marie-Therese Connolly ◽  
Patricia Kimball ◽  
Stuart Lewis ◽  
Erin Salvo
Keyword(s):  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
The State ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Intervention Model ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Adult Protective Services ◽  
Intervention Phase ◽  
The Family

Abstract Despite recommendations to include a distinct intervention phase in Adult Protective Services (APS), most APS programs close cases following investigation/substantiation phases without engaging in a defined intervention phase. This study implements and evaluates a novel APS service planning/intervention model in the state of Maine. Using an experimental efficacy trial design with stratified random sampling at the level of Maine APS offices, this study compares standard APS care with an enhanced/integrated APS intervention model involving “elder advocates”. Advocates were trained in motivational interviewing, supported decision-making, teaming, restorative justice, and goal attainment scaling to develop capacity to work with both the older adult victim and perpetrator and to strengthen the family and social systems surrounding the victim-perpetrator dyad. This presentation will present results on the efficacy of this integrated APS/elder advocate model and discuss the challenges and successes in conducting elder abuse intervention research in collaboration with APS and APS clients. Part of a symposium sponsored by Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of Elderly People Interest Group.

scholarly journals Variability in Findings From Adult Protective Services Investigations of Elder Abuse in California

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Mosqueda ◽  
Aileen Wiglesworth ◽  
Alison A. Moore ◽  
Annie Nguyen ◽  
Melanie Gironda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Adult Protective Services

scholarly journals Elder Abuse in America

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 188-193
Author(s):  
Sabrina Pickens ◽  
Carmel B. Dyer
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Adult Protective Services ◽  
Lay Public

Elder abuse is a serious social and public health issue with estimates of approximately five and a half million annual reports in the U.S. Identifying and treating abused elders is difficult due to unstandardized protocols and identification guidelines as well as a lack of public awareness to the problem. An interdisciplinary approach in collaboration with Adult Protective Services investigation is paramount to the assessment and care for mistreated elders. Educating healthcare professionals, other professions, and the lay public through social media, local news, and community education can increase awareness to this often overlooked problem.

scholarly journals FIGHTING AGAINST ELDER ABUSE IN COLLABORATION WITH ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 1268-1268
Author(s):  
P. Liu ◽  
A.E. Navarro ◽  
B. Penhale
Keyword(s):  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Adult Protective Services

scholarly journals Multidisciplinary Healthcare Providers’ Perspectives on Managing Suspected Elder Abuse in the Healthcare Setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 868-869
Author(s):  
Lena Makaroun ◽  
Gloria Klima ◽  
Michele Nichols ◽  
Keri Rodriguez ◽  
Ann O’Hare ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Living Situation ◽  
Adult Protective Services

Abstract Elder abuse (EA) is common and has devastating health consequences, yet is rarely detected by healthcare professionals. Veterans are at high risk for EA, and the VA has unique resources (e.g., comprehensive social work services) that can help address EA in the healthcare setting. This qualitative study aimed to assess perceived barriers and facilitators to detecting, reporting, intervening on and monitoring EA for VA providers. Providers from two VA facilities were recruited to participate in a one-on-one semi-structured interview. Transcripts of audio-recorded interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Participants (n=22) were 82% female, age 33-64 years, had 4-25 years practicing in VA, and varied in discipline (e.g., nurse, physician, social worker) and practice setting (e.g., emergency department, geriatrics, primary care). For detecting EA, patient and caregiver cognitive impairment were frequently cited barriers, while an interdisciplinary team approach and ability to do home visits were noted facilitators. Common challenges with reporting EA to adult protective services (APS) were perceived lack of APS follow up and discrepancies in VA provider and APS investigator findings. While removing a patient from an unsafe living situation was a frequently cited successful intervention, providers also expressed feeling conflicted when infringing on patient autonomy. Poor communication with APS, patient loss to follow up, and caregiver interference made monitoring EA cases more difficult; intensive case management and in-home services facilitated monitoring. In conclusion, healthcare professionals see interdisciplinary care, in-home care, and better coordination with APS as key facilitators to managing suspected EA in the healthcare setting.

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