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ADDRESSING ELDER ABUSE

ADDRESSING ELDER ABUSE. Hiding in Plain Sight. The Problem. ELDER ABUSE STATS AND FACTS. Elder abuse is the mistreatment of an older adult – age 60 and over – by a person in a position of trust. It can also occur when an older adult is targeted because of their age or disability.

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ADDRESSING ELDER ABUSE

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  1. ADDRESSING ELDER ABUSE Hiding in Plain Sight The Problem

  2. ELDER ABUSE STATS AND FACTS

  3. Elder abuse is the mistreatment of an older adult – age 60 and over – by a person in a position of trust.It can also occur when an older adult is targeted because of their age or disability.

  4. Elder abuse may be: • Physical • Sexual • Psychological • Neglect • Self-neglect • Financial exploitation Many victims suffer from multiple forms of abuse.

  5. Elder abuse is common, with serious consequences for its victims. Each year, 10 percent of elderly Americans experience abuse or neglect. However, the vast majority of these cases go unrecognized or are underreported. Currently, only 1 case in 24 is identified.

  6. THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY RECOGNITION

  7. Early recognition of elder abuse is critical because its victims are at increased risk of: • Mortality • Dementia • Depression

  8. When seeking medical care, victims of elder abuse are more inclined to present to an emergency department and less likely to reach out to a primary-care provider. As a result, the ED staff has an important – and singular – opportunity to evaluate these patients. ED visits may be the only time abused older adults venture out of their homes.

  9. Since emergency departments manage a wide array of acute injuries and illnesses, the varied disciplines that observe a patient can take advantage of the prolonged evaluation process to thoroughly investigate for signs of abuse. Additionally, ED resources are available 24/7.

  10. Unfortunately, national research suggests that ED providers almost never identify or report elder abuse.

  11. There are known barriers as to why the staff – in particular ED nurses – may feel incapable or reluctant to respond to signs of elder abuse: • Lack of knowledge • Lack of empowerment • Lack of support • Lack of a solution

  12. Our goal is not only to remove these barriers, but offer a simple, targeted solution to improve our practice around elder mistreatment.

  13. SOLUTIONS for EARLY DETECTION and ACTION

  14. NewYork-Presbyterian has implement a unique, ED-based, multidisciplinary team to deal specifically with elder abuse – the Vulnerable Elder Protection Team (VEPT). The VEPT program has proved highly effective in identifying and acting on elder abuse for the NYP population.

  15. Like the Child Protection Team, the VEPT consultation service is available 24/7 to assess, treat, and ensure the safety of elder abuse/neglect victims. When appropriate, VEPT also collects evidence and works closely with the authorities.

  16. VEPT has increased identification and reporting of cases of abuse, while decreasing the burden on our ED providers. Once abuse or neglect is detected, VEPT coordinates the plan of action necessary.

  17. Setting up an elder abuse response team—whether a multi-disciplinary group or just a few well-trained individuals experienced at recognizing and acting on abuse—can help the ED effectively meet the needs of this vulnerable population.

  18. Learn more. Visithttp://elderabuseemergency.org/to find out more about the problem and the solution.

  19. Content developed by Dr. Tony Rosen, MD, MPH NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Content crafted by Learning Solutions / Talent Development NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital This program has been supported by The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation.

  20. ADDRESSING ELDER ABUSE Hiding in Plain Sight

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