[4] Elder Abuse Flashcards
What is elder abuse?
A single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action occurring in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person
When is elder abuse considered to have happened?
When an older person is deliberately harmed, mistreated, exploited, or neglected by someone they know or in whom they put their trust
Where can elder abuse take place?
In persons own home, or in institution
What are the types of elder abuse?
- Physical
- Financial
- Psychological
- Neglect
- Sexual
- Discrimination
- Institutional
What is physical elder abuse?
Infliction of physical force leading to body injury or pain
Give 4 examples of physical elder abuse?
- Slapping
- Restraint
- Burning
- Being handled roughly
What are the indicators of physical elder abuse?
- Unexplained bruises
- Falls
- Minor accidents
What is financial elder abuse?
Using funds without the authority of the owner
Give 4 examples of financial elder abuse?
- Pushy sales person
- Being paid as carer but not providing care
- Selling items without consent, e.g. jewellery
- Abuse of power of attorney for finances
What are the indicators of financial elder abuse?
- Missing money
- Unpaid fills
- Lack of basic things
- Unexplained receipts
What is psychological elder abuse?
Use of mental cruelty or verbal threats to cause discomfort
Give 4 examples of psychological elder abuse?
- Name calling
- Being kept in isolation
- Being threatened
- Blaming
What are the indicators of psychological elder abuse?
- Fearful and nervous
- Harsh tones
- Strained relationship
- Low mood
- Confusion
What is neglect in elder abuse?
Willful failure to assist someone to achieve activities of daily living
Give 2 examples of neglectful elder abuse?
- Withholding food, water, medication, or comfort
- Human needs not provided
What are the indicators of neglectful elder abuse?
- Pressure sores
- Malnourished
- Dehydrated
- Dirty house
- Unkempt appearance
- Unused medication
What is sexual elder abuse?
Being involved directly or indirectly in sexual activity without consent
Give 4 examples of sexual elder abuse?
- Sexual act
- Sexual comments
- Rape
- Being forced to watch pornography
What are the indicators of sexual elder abuse?
- Bruises in genital area
- Fear of being touched
What is discrimination in elder abuse?
Unjust treatment of people on grounds of gender/race/age etc
Give 2 examples of discrimination in elder abuse?
- Ageism
- Racism
What are the indicators of discrimination in elder abuse?
- Treatment restriction on grounds of age
- Inequity with regards to levels of care
What is institutional elder abuse?
Abuse within an institution such as care home or hospital
What is the term institutional elder abuse often used to refer to?
Systematic abuse of more than one person, or one person on more than one occasion at an institutional level i.e. abuse is perpetrated by more than one person and is facilitated by policies and practices
What are the indicators of institutional elder abuse?
- Multiple admissions or safeguarding referrals from one institution due to health or social care issues
- Multiple complaints by relatives and care recipients
- High prevalence of indicators of neglect, e.g. pressure ulceration/malnutrition
How common is elder abuse?
Very common, but under-recognised and under-reported
What % of >65 year olds living in private households reported mistreatment?
2.6% (1 in 40)
What is the most common type of elder abuse?
Neglect
What is the least common type of elder abuse?
Sexual abuse
What gender is more commonly affected by elder abuse?
Women
Who performs elder abuse?
- Spouse/partner
- Another family member
- Care worker
- Close friend
What % of elder abuse is by a spouse/partner?
51%
What situations can increase the risk of elder abuse?
- Disability
- Dementia
- Cultural backgrounds where there are gender inequalities
- Backgrounds where violence is tolerated
- Financial dependence
- Poor quality of relationship before disability
- Poverty and lack of social inclusion
- Cohabitation
- Carer with history of violence, substance misuse, or mental health problems
What are the classifications of elder abuse?
- Abuse by intention
- Abuse by omission
What is abuse by intention?
Abuse that occurs intentionally
What is abuse by omission?
Abuse that can occur unintentionally when someone lacks the resources to care or does not know how to find support
What steps should be taken when you suspect elder abuse?
- Take history and document all findings
- Identify signs of abuse
- Draw a body map showing injuries
- Seek advice or help prior to any suggestion of abuse to the patient/carer
- Pass on information to senior staff
- Refer to safeguarding investigating team
- Reassure the patient
What kind of approach is required to deal with elder abuse?
Team approach
What laws protect against elder abuse in care-home or domiciliary care in England and Wales?
- Care Standards Act (2007)
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006)
What law provides protection against elder abuse in Scotland?
- Adult Support and Protection Act (2007)
What do all UK regions now have for the protection of vulnerable adults?
Dedicated safeguarding teams and policies
Who has a responsibility to be vigilant for and report any suspected elder abuse?
All health and social care professionals at all levels
Who has the responsibility for investigating and acting on elder abuse?
Local safeguarding investigation teams
Where are the local safeguarding investigation teams hosted?
Within local authorities across all UK legislations
What are the principles governing any safeguarding investigations?
- Empowerment
- Protection
- Prevention
- Proportionality
- Partnership
- Accountability
What is meant by empowerment in safeguarding investigations into elder abuse?
Presumption that decisions will be led by the patient, and investigations and interventions shaped by the principles of informed consent
What is meant by protection in safeguarding investigations into elder abuse?
Those in immediate or continued danger will be protected from harm
What is meant by prevention in safeguarding investigations into elder abuse?
Better to take action before harm occurs
What is meant by proportionality in safeguarding investigations into elder abuse?
Proportionate intervention will be made that is the least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented
What is meant by partnership in safeguarding investigations into elder abuse?
Local solutions will be delivered by statutory ser- vices working with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting, and reporting neglect and abuse. Partnership between health and social care and primary and secondary healthcare professionals is essential.
What is meant by accountability in safeguarding investigations into elder abuse?
Safeguardingmustbeundertakeninatranspar- ent fashion and local authorities and delegated officers will be held accountable for safeguarding practice by regulators.
