1. Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes Jilian Acevedo Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service New York, New York SW and the Law Dr. Maschi July 12, 2014

2. Presentation Overview  Critical Analysis of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes Critical Assessment Prevention and Intervention Strategies

3. Critical Assessment

4. Problem Backgroud  The elderly is a vulnerable population.  Abuse occurs in different forms such as physical abuse, emotional/psychological, sexual, financial exploitation and intentional abuse

5. Case Vignette  Carmen Rivera is a 62 year old female.  Diabetes  Son involved in care, however needs long term placement  Son informed by resident that she was verbally abused (emotional abuse)

6. Theory/Perspective  Situational theory  This theory states that a caregiver who is filled with much burden cannot take the stresses of being a compassionate caregiver.  I disagree with this theory.  It is imperative that healthcare professionals are educated on boundaries and the importance of providing quality care.

7. United Nations Document  Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

8. United Nations Document Continued  Article 5 of the UDHR states: “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

9. Federal and State Policy  The Elder Justice Act is a federal policy that came into effect in March of 2010 signed by Obama  Helps to protect the resident’s from abuse.

10. Prevention and Intervention Strategies

11. Promising Practice  Seven elements to resident abuse.  Screening  Training  Prevention  Identification  Investigation

12. Promising Practice Cont.  Protection  Reporting

13. Engagement and Collaboration  Families are encouraged to report their concerns, incidents and suggestions  Families are informed if any abuse has occurred.

14. Evidence  Although the elements are followed it has not really proven that it is effective, as there continues to be cases of abuse in nursing facilities.

15. Prevention  Prevention is the third element of the seven.  Prior to prevention there is screening and training of new employees.  Thorough background checks and interviews are completed.  In-services provided.

16. Policy Reform  The role of policy reform and advocacy falls on the healthcare professionals.  Our role as healthcare professionals is to report any suspicion of abuse

17. Recommendations  State level, I recommend that New York State implement its own law on resident abuse.  Many elderly fear the admission of a nursing home. Having a law in place can alleviate those concerns on a state level.

18. Final Reflection

19. What Did I Learn?  More knowledgeable of the prevention of elderly abuse  Now I have the skill to educate and encourage others

20. Reflection  I wish to continue working with the elderly population.  This population needs advocacy.

21. Resources

22. References  Fulmer, T., Guadagno, L., Dyer, C., & Connolly, M. (2004). Progress in Elder Abuse Screening and Assessment Instruments. Journal Of The American Geriatrics Society, 52(2), 297-304. doi:10.1111/j.1532- 5415.2004.52074.x  Shinan-Altman, S., & Cohen, M. (2009). Nursing Aides' Attitudes to Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes: The Effect of Work Stressors and Burnout. Gerontologist, 49(5), 674- 684.  Solomon, J., & Reingold, D. A. (2012). Creating and Elder Abuse Shelter: A Best-Practice model for Nonprofit Nursing Homes. Generations, 36(3), 64-65.

23. References  http://gerontology.usc.edu/news- resources/news/what-is-the-elder-justice-act/ http://gerontology.usc.edu/news- resources/news/what-is-the-elder-justice-act/  http://nursinghome.org/pro/popups/releases/ne ws07_01_99.html http://nursinghome.org/pro/popups/releases/ne ws07_01_99.html  http://www.nyc.gov/html/dfta/html/services/crim e-victims.shtml http://www.nyc.gov/html/dfta/html/services/crim e-victims.shtml  http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/default. asp http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/default. asp  http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/ http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/

24. Contact Information  Jilian Acevedo, Graduate Social Work Student  Jacevedo13@fordham.edu