Elder Abuse/Child Protection Flashcards
What is the statistics of elder abuse in nz?
1/10 people over 65
Whats the definition of elder abuse?
A single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person
“can be physical, psychological or emotional, sexual or financial in nature”.
“can be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect”
What % is psychological abuse?
79%
What % is financial abuse?
54%
What % is physical abuse?
19%
What % is neglect?
17%
What % is sexual abuse?
1%
What fraction of abuse cases go unreported?
3/4 cases go unreported
What are Red flags for possible abuse?
- anxious for no obvious reason
- irritable or angry
- disturbed sleep, poor appetite
- helpless, hopeless or sad
- reluctant to talk openly or defers to caregiver
- avoids eye contact or recoils when touched
- lack of spending on self ‐ necessities / socially
- depleted savings / missing possessions
- fear of bathing or toileting
What are possible caregiver behaviors of concern?
- blaming the older person for their behaviour e.g., wandering or incontinence
- insisting on being present when the older person is interviewed
- shopping around for medical attention
- over concerned or unconcerned
- ‘shifty’ – evading questions
What are risk factors for abuse and neglect?
MAY raise suspicion ‐
* the abused lives with the abuser
* history of family conflict (cycle of abuse)
* increasing dependence on others
* presence of alcohol or substance abuse
* poor literacy or awareness of rights
* cognitive impairment e.g. dementia
What % of abused people live with their abuser?
42%
What is an example of psychological abuse?
Behaviour that results in mental anguish or despair
- Intimidation
- Harassment or humiliation
- Threats of harm to an older person, there family pets etc.
- Withholding affection
- Verbal abuse
- Ignoring
- Treating the older person like a child
- Saying hurtful things
Whats an example of financial or material abuse?
Illegal or improper exploitation and or/ use of funds or other resources
- Withdrawing money from bank accounts
- Misuse of EPOA
- Failing to repay loans
- Withholding money from older person
- Deciding what they can or can’t spend there money on
What are signs of Financial abuse?
- signs of misuse of an EPOA, with control over an older person’s money and decisions
- signatures on documents not resembling the older person’s
- little spent on necessary aids e.g., glasses, hearing aids, meds
- little spent on social, cultural stimulation
- absence of basic hygiene / inappropriate clothing