1. Elder Abuse: Its Many Faces & How to Help
Hollie C. Campanella, RN, MSN
Doctoral Student, MUSC

2. Objectives: Define elder abuse
Describe the types of elder abuse & signs & symptoms of each
Identify characteristics of elders who are at risk for being abused
Identify potential perpetrators of abuse

3. Objectives (cont.)
5. Review of ethical obligations & legal mandates related to elder abuse
6. Recognize the value of elder abuse screening tool to emergency nursing practice
7. Coordinate care for individuals experiencing elder abuse presenting to ED

4. Definitions of Elder Abuse
CDC
WHO
Others:
National Center for Victims of Violent Crimes (NCVC)
National Center for Elder Abuse (NCEA)
Prevalence Estimates

5. Types of Elder Abuse Physical Sexual Emotional or psychological
Neglect
Abandonment
Financial or material exploitation
Self-neglect

6. Signs & Symptoms Physical Sexual Emotional or psychological Neglect
Abandonment
Financial or material exploitation
Self-neglect

7. Characteristics of Elders & Risk for Abuse
Age
Dependency
Substance Abuse
Isolation
Personal Behaviors

8. Perpetrators of Elder Abuse
Spouse
Adult children or other family members
Caregivers who are not related
Fiduciary Advocates
Medical facilities & personnel
Financial facilities & personnel
Other trusted individuals
Strangers

9. Perpetrator Risk Factors
Age
Gender
Personal Characteristics
Theories

10. Ethical Obligations & Legal Mandates
Autonomy versus Safety
Harm Reduction
Mandatory Reporting Laws
Resources: Law citations by State available at:
Ethical Obligations & Legal Mandates

11. Detection: Screening Tools
What exists?
Selecting a tool for you & your ED
What is still needed?

12. Coordinating Care RN Role Physician Role Social Worker
EMS & Law Enforcement
Family & Others

13. Summary
Growing problem that demands emergency nursing attention & expertise
Detection depends on knowledge, vigilance, & caring
Care enough to find out!
Find & develop resources for yourself & your department

14. Questions?

15. References
Administration on Aging (AoA). (2010). A profile of older Americans: Retrieved from
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2008). Understanding elder maltreatment: Fact sheet. Retrieved from
The National Center on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL). (n.d.). Research on abuse in later life. Retrieved from
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA). (2009). Frequently asked questions. Retrieved from
The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC). (2008). Elder abuse. Retrieved
from
Ridgeway, M. L. (n.d.). Civil, criminal and administration remedies in cases of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of the elderly. Retrieved from
You Have the Power…Know How to Use it, Inc. (Producer). (1994). The golden years [DVD]. Available from