Samuel Merritt University Primary Healthcare I Spring 2012 Alicia Kletter RN MSN FNP

 Elder Mistreatment  Elder physical abuse  Elder neglect  Elder self-neglect  Financial exploitation

 Definition  Abuse perpetrated by individuals with an ongoing relationship with the elder  Vulnerable elder  Physical Abuse  Sexual Abuse  Emotional Abuse  Neglect  Abandonment  Financial exploitation

 Elder self-neglect is a subcategory of neglect  Vulnerable elder  Failure to provide for own protection & care  Are not thriving in current environment

 Prevalence from 2-10%  Most feel abuse under- reported to APS and ombudsman  Self-neglect the most commonly reported abuse  269,000 reports of elder abuse in institutional settings in 2009

 Prevalence higher in the following:  Under age 35  Single, divorced or separated  Substance abuse  Cigarette smokers  Pregnant  Poor  Recently obtained restraining order  History of childhood abuse

 USPSTF  AMA  Ask three questions:  Do you feel safe where you live?  Who prepares your meals?  Who handles your checkbook?

 Medical Care  Social Work  Legal Action  Can refuse interventions from APS if deemed competent  Assess victim’s cognitive functioning as part of abuse workup  Mandated to report in CA

 Abuse may be physical, sexual, emotional, from financial exploitation or neglect.  Report abuse in domestic case to APS  Report abuse in institutions to ombudsman or licensing agency