older people’s health issues
Overview of Elder Abuse
When to Suspect Elder Abuse
Doctors, nurses, social workers, friends, and family members often do not recognize the More Information . The signs can be difficult to distinguish from other problems. For example, if an older person has a hip fracture, health care practitioners may be unable to distinguish whether the cause is physical abuse or osteoporosis, falls, or both (which are much more common causes). Also, if older people are confused, they may not have their complaints of abuse taken seriously, so the abuse goes unrecognized. When older people have certain problems or make certain changes, family members and friends, as well as health care practitioners, should be aware that abuse may be the cause. These problems include the following: Poor hygiene or an unpleasant odor Pressure sores Weight loss and a dry mouth Missing eyeglasses, hearing aids, or dentures Many bruises, bruises in places not usually injured by accident (such as the buttocks), or bruises in the shape of objects (such as a utensil, stick or belt) Rope marks Broken bones Scratches and cuts Anxiety, depression, or withdrawal and passivity Sudden financial changes (such as changes in a will, loss of money or other assets, or addition of names to an older person’s bank card) The caregiver’s behavior may also suggest abuse, as in the following: Not letting the older person speak Treating the older person like a child Giving implausible explanations for injuries If health care practitioners suspect abuse, they interview the older person alone as well as the possible perpetrator. They may interview other people who know the older person, sometimes alone. Practitioners may use questionnaires designed to identify elder abuse. They may ask general questions about feelings of safety as well as direct questions about possible mistreatment. Practitioners also thoroughly examine the person to check for signs of abuse. Imaging and blood tests may be needed to identify signs and/or complications of abuse and, if signs are present, to document the abuse. Practitioners also evaluate the older person's circumstances, including the following: Social and financial resources to determine whether financial abuse is occurring and to help plan management so that the older person is protected (for example, by arranging a different living arrangement or hiring a professional caregiver). Mental Status None Overview of Mood Disorders to check for depression, anxiety, anger, and fear The ability to do daily activities Any physical limitations that interfere with self-protection If help with daily activities is needed, practitioners determine whether the current caregiver has sufficient emotional, financial, and intellectual ability for the task. Otherwise, a new caregiver needs to be identified. 