Question 1

how come nurses have to report elder abuse?

Accepted Answer

Human kindness: This should be done for humane reasons. There are laws however to protect those who may not be able to protect themselves,  analogous to a teacher reporting child abuse.

Question 2

what are the different forms that elder abuse can take?

Accepted Answer

Many: Elder abuse can range from financial, to physical, emotional and verbal. Older patients with dementia are at highest risk. Financial abuse of the elderly is very common and unnoticed, and under-reported. Many older people are dependent on others and typically under report abuse. Neglect is another form of elderly abuse that is often not noticed. In any such cases involve adult protective services.

Question 3

what if i suspect and report elder abuse in a home and they prove it is not? what happens to us then? more abuse or move out?

Accepted Answer

IF: If you suspect elder abuse you have both a moral, as well as a potentially legal, responsibility to have it investigated and dealt with where appropriate.  If there was in fact abuse, would you want you or your family members in such a place?  Stop worrying about theoretical consequences and do the right thing.

Question 4

how can you prevent elder abuse?

Accepted Answer

Contact local APS: If you have any supicious about elder abuse, please contact to local county senior service and ask for adult protective services (aps) they will tell you what to do and they will do their own job to investigate for possible elder abuse. You can report by anonymous so that it will be protected and not share info to the client and others.

Question 5

how common is elder abuse at assisted living facilities?

Accepted Answer

Elder Abuse: The exact answer is difficult to determine. First, reports of abuse are investigated by various agencies and entities. Second, a smaller proportion of the reports are found to be substantiated. Third, there are too many variables in the definition of abuse. Fourth, the various agencies do not necessarily collaborate potentially creating duplicate reports. Physical abuse is the most commonly report.

Question 6

use of restraints on elderly patients--are those considered elder abuse?

Accepted Answer

Usually safety issue: Preferable to use restraints than have an elder fall out of bed or chair or go wandering off and find themselves in dangerous situations. Most hospitals and nursing homes do not have enough staff to have one on one caretakers all the time. Restraints are thus often necessary for economic reasons. Abuse would be the use of restraints purely as a punishment.

Question 7

is this elder abuse when we have to shout because the elder wont buy a hearing aid?

Accepted Answer

Not if shouting is: Only way to have an elder hear what you are saying.

Question 8

mom is caregiver for elders in the family. now she has a problem. what does it mean to have narcotic abuse?

Accepted Answer

Narcotic Abuse: These medications, while helpful for pain, can lead to addiction.  The medications can induce a euphoric state.  Eventually, a switch turns on in the brain which causes uncontrollable cravings and an inability to control use of the drug.  It takes over their life.  Then, patients will do anything to get the drug-lie, steal.  Untreated, death from overdose can occur. Seek help immediately.

Question 9

what causes over abuse from your childhood?

Accepted Answer

With a professional: Discussing your options through private therapy is the best proven method.  Discuss with your doctor in finding a good therapist.

Question 10

how can i support someone who abuses alochol?

Accepted Answer

Take care of YOU: This may sound counterintuitive, but the best thing is to take care of your own behavior first.  Some people equate "helping" with trying to control the alcoholic's behavior, or his/her access to alcohol.  This can lead to over-focus on what the alcoholic is doing.  Attending al-anon, the group for families and friends of alcoholics, can help you balance this.  http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/.

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Doctor answers about:

Elder abuse

A member asked:

How come nurses have to report elder abuse?

A member asked:

What are the different forms that elder abuse can take?

A member asked:

What if i suspect and report elder abuse in a home and they prove it is not? what happens to us then? more abuse or move out?

A member asked:

How can you prevent elder abuse?

A member asked:

How common is elder abuse at assisted living facilities?

A member asked:

Use of restraints on elderly patients--are those considered elder abuse?

A member asked:

Is this elder abuse when we have to shout because the elder wont buy a hearing aid?

A member asked:

Mom is caregiver for elders in the family. now she has a problem. what does it mean to have narcotic abuse?

A member asked:

What causes over abuse from your childhood?

A member asked:

How can i support someone who abuses alochol?

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