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Abuse and Neglect. Statistics of Abuse. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of elders are abused at home and in institutions each year Estimated that only one in every 14 cases is reported The number of victims is expected to rise as the population ages. Abuse – The hidden problem. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Abuse and Neglect
It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of elders are abused at home and in institutions each year
Estimated that only one in every 14 cases is reported
The number of victims is expected to rise as the population ages
Statistics of Abuse
Our picture of elder abuse is limited, due to the problems hidden and complex nature◦ Secrecy surrounds those involved◦ Victims remain unnoticed and untreated because
they are isolated◦ Subtle forms of mistreatment can be hard to spot◦ Fear of retaliation by the abuser◦ Fear of being institutionalized
Abuse – The hidden problem
Learn to recognize abuse
Respond to mistreatment
Prepare yourself
Break the Cycle
Physical mistreatment
Psychological mistreatment
Financial mistreatment
What is Abuse and Neglect
Most obvious form of abuse because of telltale physical signs
Some forms are hard to spot◦ Rushing an elder or pulling him to fast when
helping him to walk◦ Tying wandering seniors to a chair so they cannot
get lost◦ Giving them to much or to little medication
Physical Abuse
Inflict emotional pain or distress◦ Verbal scolding◦ Harassment◦ Intimidation◦ Threatening punishment or deprivation◦ Threatening the victim like a child◦ Isolating the elder from family or friends
Psychological Abuse
Hard to spot unless you witness it Generally the victims demeanor or behavior
offers clues◦ Depression◦ Fear◦ Hopelessness◦ Withdrawal or isolation
Psychological Abuse
Taking control of resources through misrepresentation, coercion, or outright theft for gain◦ Stealing money or possessions◦ Forcing to sign contracts or durable power of
attorney◦ Charging for unnecessary services or services not
rendered
Financial Abuse
Failure to provide goods and services necessary for the health and well-being of the elder◦ Withholding adequate meals or hydration◦ Withholding physical therapy or hygiene◦ Failure to provide physical aides such as glasses,
hearing aides, or false teeth◦ Unkempt, dirty, body odor, fleas or lice◦ Malnourished and dehydrated
Physical Neglect
Taking your time answering call lights Moving the call button out of reach Leaving a person on the toilet to long Removing a cane or walker from reach Failure to reposition every 2 hours when
ordered to in the plan of care
More Examples
Failure to provide social stimulation◦ Leaving alone for long periods of time◦ Ignoring him or her ◦ Giving “the silent treatment”◦ Unusual confinement◦ Failure to provide companionship or links to the
outside world
Psychological Neglect
Failure to use available resources to sustain or restore the health and security of the adult
◦ Seeking care that does not meet the needs although money is available
◦ Elders confusion about their financial situation or a sudden transfer of assets
Financial Neglect
Bruises, welts, lacerations, fractures, burns, or restraint marks are physical evidence of abuse.
Injuries are inconsistent with medical findings
Laboratory evidence of under medicating or overmedicating
Unexplained venereal disease Dehydration, malnutrition, decubitus, and
poor hygiene
Warning signs of physical abuse
Fearful of speaking in front of caregiver Trembling and lack of eye contact Sudden eating disorders Depression Agitation Withdrawn Angry
Warning Signs of Psychological abuse
Illegal and improper use of an incapacitated adults resources – some examples include:◦ Withdrawing large amounts of money at the
encouragement of another person◦ Unusual banking activity◦ Confused about missing funds◦ Frequent expensive gifts from elder to caregiver◦ Frequent checks made out to cash◦ Signatures that do not match the elder persons
Warning Signs of Financial Abuse
Violation of a patients or residents rights◦ Denying privacy
Staying in the bathroom of a capable patient Staying in the room when the person has guests
◦ Not provided the opportunity to make decisions Turning off the radio or television Forcing the person to bathe when told
Violation of Rights
All walks of life; men, women, all racial, ethnic, and economic groups
According to the National Elder Abuse Incidence Study – more than half of reported elder abuse victims are women
Who gets Abused
Family members Caregivers Strangers Men Women
Who are the Abusers
Prevents the elder from speaking to others Threatening remarks Shows anger, indifference, or aggressive
behavior toward the elder Withholds attention or affection Talks about the elder as a burden Unusual fatigue and/or depression
Characteristics of an abuser
In one study, 40% of healthcare staff who participated in the survey admitted to committing psychological abuse in the preceding year, while 10% admitted physically abusing residents
Shocking Survey
Misunderstanding and ignorance Feeling frustrated Caregivers pattern of dealing with stress Seniors who are abusive to caregivers
compound the stress factor Unresolved conflicts between family or
elders history of abusive relationships Mental illness, alcoholism, or drug abuse Inadequate building and grounds security
can leave an elder vulnerable to strangers
WHY
Whatever the cause, elder abuse
and neglect are NEVER acceptable
Hospice of the Southwest does not condone patient abuse by anyone including staff members, other patient consultants, volunteers, and staff of other agencies serving the patients, family, members, legal guardians, sponsors, friends, or any other individual
Policy
Cases of suspected sexual assault, physical abuse, or neglect will be immediately reported in the organization, given priority, and investigated thoroughly
The organizations staff refers appropriately or conducts assessment of victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation
Procedure
Careful assessment and documentation of physical findings can help provide the data that are believed to confirm diagnosis. History taking and examination of all patients will be done promptly and in privacy.
All cases of suspected abuse/neglect will be reported to the authorities
Procedure continued
A nonjudgmental approach should be maintained toward patients and family members at all times
To protect the patient from real or suspected mental, physical, sexual, and verbal abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation staff will safeguard the patient from the offending individual
Procedure Continued
Elder abuse is a common problem you are likely to encounter in healthcare
Be alert for signs of abuse or neglect Document any risks or evidence Report any suspicions or incidences
Summary
Do your part to bring this hidden problem into the open
Show you care, become an advocate for elders you encounter at work or anywhere
Conclusion
Arizona Attorney General . Elder abuse information and training guide. 2009. from https://www.azag.gov/seniors/elder-abuse-information-and-training-guide#33 [accessed 3, Jan 2013]
State of Arizona. Elder Abuse Coalition. Break the silence. Report elder abuse. Retrieved from https://www.azdes.gov/InternetFiles/Pamphlets/pdf/AAA-1139AOTH_BTS_Brochure_Final.pdf [accessed 3, Jan 2013.
Elder Abuse. Retrieved from http://www.mesaaz.gov/police/crimeprevention/ElderAbuse.aspx [accessed 3 Jan, 2013.
Robinson, L., Benedictis, T., Segal, J. Elder Abuse and Neglect. Warning signs, risk factors, prevention. 2012. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/elder_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm [accessed 4, Jan 2013.
References