older people’s health issues
Preventing and Responding to Elder Abuse
If Elder Abuse Is Confirmed
An interdisciplinary team (including doctors, nurses, social workers, lawyers, law enforcement officials, psychiatrists, and other practitioners) is the best option for providing successful care. If the person is in immediate danger, health care practitioners may suggest admission to a hospital, intervention by law enforcement, or relocation to a safe home. If the person is not in immediate danger, steps to reduce risk are taken but are less urgent. The choice of intervention depends on the perpetrator’s likelihood of causing harm. In general, interventions need to be tailored to each situation. Interventions may include: Medical assistance Education (such as teaching victims about abuse and available options to help them and helping them devise safety plans) Psychologic support (such as short-term or long-term psychotherapy for the victim and possibly family members to discuss depression and the effects of trauma) Law enforcement and legal interventions (such as arrest of the perpetrator, restraining orders, and legal advice, including protection of assets) Alternative housing (such as sheltered senior housing and placement in a nursing home) Referral to services that provide basic support (such as transportation and food assistance) and reduce social isolation If victims are competent to make decisions, they should help determine their own intervention. If they are not, the interdisciplinary team should make most decisions. Decisions are based on the severity of the violence, the victim’s previous lifestyle choices, and legal ramifications. Often, there is no single correct decision. A practitioner should carefully monitor each case. 