The prevalence of elder abuse and neglect is trending upward among American seniors, but physician reports of suspected maltreatment are not keeping pace. The most important step in management of elder abuse and neglect is making the diagnosis and reporting the suspicions to Adult Protective Services.
Our recent issue Elder Abuse and Neglect: Making the Diagnosis and Devising a Treatment Plan in the Emergency Department presents a systematic approach for emergency department diagnosis of elder abuse and neglect, including a thorough history and physical examination combined with the use of standardized validated screening tools.
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Here are a few key points:
- There are 5 types of abuse perpetrated against older adults: (1) physical, (2) sexual, (3) neglect, (4) psychological, and (5) financial.
- Two large pre-COVID pandemic studies estimated that 10% of older adults will be affected by maltreatment. An online survey taken during and after the pandemic suggets the actual prevalence may be as high as 20%.
- Risk factors that increase a patient‘s likelihood for being abused should be considered for all older patients, and are listed in Table 1 in the issue.
Read the full issue and earn 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
