Elder Misuse and Abuse Lecture Powerpoint

Question 1

Elder abuse

Answer 1

Mistreatment for individuals generally greater than or equal to 60 years including abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, perpetrated by those in an ONGOING relationship that involves expectation of responsibility toward a victim** (excludes abuse by strangers, has to be a caretaker of some form - doctor, taxi driver, family), can be physical (including neglect even self neglect), sexual, or psychological (majority)

Question 2

Decisional capacity

Answer 2

The ability to communicate a choice, understand relevant info, appreciate the situation and its consequences, and reason about treatment options

Question 3

Executive capacity

Answer 3

The ability to execute ones decisions

Question 4

Capacity for self care and protection

Answer 4

Ability to make and carry out decisions regarding ones self care and protection - vulnerable elders do NOT have these!!!!

Question 5

Self neglect

Answer 5

Failure of vulnerable elder to provide for own care and protection (also called failure to thrive), excludes elderly who have capacity but choose not to

Question 6

Medicare/medicaid coverage of elderly health maintenance

Answer 6

• Inpatient rehab but not long term care is covered, must have at least 3 days hospital to be considered medically necessary care, does pay for up to 35 hours of home care
• if individual lacks savings to cover cost of nursing home or have exhausted assets can become eligible for assistance

Question 7

Risk factors for elder abuse (6)

Answer 7

• advanced age
• dementia
• depression
• social isolation
• external family stressors
• unfavorable caretaker characteristics

Question 8

Screening questions for suspected elder abuse patient

Answer 8

• do you feel safe where you live
• who prepares your meals
• who takes care of your checkbook/finances

Question 9

PE findings that indicate elder abuse (8)

Answer 9

• traumatic alopecia (hair pulled)
• SPIRAL FRACTURE in long bone***
• abrasions or skin tears
• burns
• lacerations
• evidence of restraint
• pressure ulcer
• pain or soreness in genital area or new onset STI

Question 10

Mandatory elderly abuse reporting

Answer 10

-Ethical responsibility for provider to care for patients and document and report concern for elder misreatment, if suspected in a facility call the long term care ombudsman, if in the general population call adult protective services.