Did you know that elder abuse is a global problem? According to The World Health Organization, about 1 in every 6 seniors aged 60 or older experiences some kind of abuse. In America, the federal government and every state government have passed laws to protect seniors. But our collective fight against abuse starts with those directly involved in their care.
Family nurse practitioners are required to report elder abuse even if they just suspect it. For all primary care providers, understanding the types of elder abuse, its risk factors, and how to intervene is extremely important.
What Types of Abuse Must Nurses Report?
The National Center on Elder Abuse and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define elder abuse as harmful actions or neglect toward seniors aged 65 or older. While abuse can be intentional, recognizing potential issues often starts during routine checkups. Remember, seniors might hesitate to admit they’ve been abused. As a healthcare provider, your vigilance and awareness are crucial in identifying even subtle signs of mistreatment, empowering you to support and protect your patients. Here are the signs to look for:
- Physical Abuse
If you notice cuts, burns, bruises, or other injuries caused by restraint, those can indicate physical abuse. If a senior has been to the emergency room frequently for unexplained injuries, take note of that as well.
- Sexual Abuse
Unwanted touching, sexual intercourse, or other sexual activities are considered sexual abuse. Signs of abuse also include pelvic injuries, STIs, or social withdrawal. It’s critical to remain confidential in cases of sexual abuse. Healthcare providers must be aware of their legal obligations when reporting these instances.
- Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse involves humiliation, ridicule, intimidation, isolation, and threats. Verbal abuse, such as making insulting remarks, yelling, and mocking, can lead to emotional and psychological harm.
- Financial Abuse
Using a senior’s resources without permission counts as financial abuse. Forging checks, identity theft, and investment fraud fall within this category. Seniors can fall victim to financial schemes, especially if they’re already struggling with a low income.
- Neglect of Abandonment
Failing to provide necessary care to a senior intentionally or unintentionally is considered neglect. Neglect makes up over half of all elder abuse cases.
How do I Determine Risk Factors?
A vital component of stopping elder abuse is identifying it before it starts. Risk factors indicate the likelihood of abuse, and understanding them can help you prevent it. These risk factors can make mistreatment more likely to happen:
- Isolation: Seniors who live alone, away from their friends and family, are more susceptible to abuse.
- Substance Abuse: If caregivers use drugs and alcohol, they have a higher chance of abusing those they care for.
- Declining Physical and Mental Health: If a senior’s health is deteriorating, that makes them a potential target for an abuser.
- Shared Living Arrangement: When seniors live with their caregivers, more opportunities for abuse can happen.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Health disparities due to someone’s income, race, ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation correlate with elder abuse.
Mandatory Reporting for Nurses
While nurses are required to report elder abuse, the best way to prevent it is for the entire community to get involved. Elder abuse interventions involve teamwork from several professions. Adult protective services visit a senior’s home to confirm mistreatment, and social workers, law enforcement, and attorneys are usually involved in treating the situation. Abuse doesn’t need to be proven for healthcare, mental health services, and physical therapy to be initiated. If a senior has dementia or Alzheimer’s, a legal intervention with a court-appointed guardian might be necessary.
Family nurse practitioners help make interventions successful. As primary caregivers, you can help elder abuse victims by reporting incidents, treating injuries, and coordinating interprofessional teams.
Preventing Elder Abuse Starts with You When you report any suspicious behavior, you can help seniors retain their dignity, health, and well-being. Take this month to stay vigilant and show your seniors extra care, empathy, and attention. Elder abuse is serious, but your work helps those when they need it most.
