GERIATRICS
ELDER ABUSE
PromptRisk factors for elder abuse
ResponseBackground demographics
- Advanced age
- Social isolation
- Low SES
- External family stressors
- Unfavourable caretaker characteristics (mental illness, substance abuse)
- Institutional staff shortages
- Disability in self care (ADL’s) or physical impairment
- Dementia/cog impairment
- Depression/psychologic problems
PromptSuspicious caretaker behaviours for elder abuse
ResponseOverly protective/controlling
Conflicting stories
Delay in seeking care/reporting injury
Does not leave person unattended
Carer describes victim as “accident prone” or having a history of silly injuries
Conflicting stories
Delay in seeking care/reporting injury
Does not leave person unattended
Carer describes victim as “accident prone” or having a history of silly injuries
PromptPhysical findings of NEGLECT
ResponseBroken glasses
Pressure sores
Weight loss/malnutrition
Hair loss
Por hygiene
Inadequate clothing
Hypo/hyperthemia
Pressure sores
Weight loss/malnutrition
Hair loss
Por hygiene
Inadequate clothing
Hypo/hyperthemia
PromptServices to report elder abuse to
ResponsePolice if immediate concerns of homicide, suicide, criminal activity
Advocacy services
Elder abuse prevention phone line
No legal requirement for mandatory reporting in Aus/NZ (which is actually really sad)
Advocacy services
Elder abuse prevention phone line
No legal requirement for mandatory reporting in Aus/NZ (which is actually really sad)
PromptADVANCED CARE DIRECTIVE
Response
PromptWhat information should be in advanced care directive
ResponsePatients preference in relation to
Other issues important to pt
Religious
Pets needing care (Don’t forget the puppies!)
- Treatment goals
- Levels of active treatment
- Transfer to hospital
- Preferred place of death
- After death care
- Organ/tissue/body donation
Other issues important to pt
Religious
Pets needing care (Don’t forget the puppies!)