Elder abuse

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Elder abuse

• Kate Atkinson ST1

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what is elder abuse?

• a single or repeated act or lack of
  appropriate action occurring within any
  relationship where there is an expectation of
  trust, which causes harm or distress to an older
  person WHO 2002

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types of elder abuse

• In order of prevalence
• neglect
• financial
• emotional
• physical
• sexual
• unintentional
• mixed

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prevalence

• 4.0 of over 66yrs 342,400 people
  UK Study of Abuse and Neglect of Older
  People, 2007
• likely to be a gross underestimate

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who abuses?

• two thirds of abuse is committed at home by
  someone in a position of trust
• analysis of calls to the Action on Elder
  Abuse helpline
• partner
• family
• carers
• friend
• neighbour
• acquaintance
• stranger

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vulnerabilities

• reliance on the abuser for care/support/financial
• family member
• isolation
• communication difficulties
• not knowing who to approach, lack of awareness
• fear, worry, shock, sadness, embarrassment,
  shame. feel they have deserved it or wont be
  believed

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recognition of elder abuse history

• suspicious history
• changes in personality/behaviour
• changes in routine
• unusual/new financial problems

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recognition of elder abuse examination
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what to do
Abuse suspected/discovered or a disclosure is made
Highlight to SW department ASAP
Fax a Vulnerable Adult Referral to the Vulnerable
Adult Unit
Speak to patient gain information about the
alleged abuse /- video interview /- forensic
evidence
EARLY STRATEGY MEETING To be held within
48hrs Professionals only
?capacity
ADULT PROTECTION CONFERENCE Other family may
attend
IMCA
CLOSE circumstances unsubstantiated
PROSECUTION
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Contacts (SW)

• Vulnerable adult leads in RUH
• Neil Boyland blp 7528, Claire Fullbrook
• Scanlon ex 5535, Francesca Thompson (director
• nursing) ex 4040
• Vulnerable Adults Unit (based Melksham police
  station)
• Andy Guy, Steve Lever, Paula Griffin
• Tel [phone]

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case study

• 87yr female, GP referral
• Severe vascular dementia
• Faecal incontinence
• Dehydration
• Weight loss
• Adverse housing situation

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what to do
Abuse suspected
SW department informed
Vulnerable Adult Referral faxed to Vulnerable
Adult Unit
EARLY STRATEGY MEETING
Summary of incident Background Discussion
Outcome needs placement in a dementia
registered residential home
Action plan 1) Meeting with husband 2) /-
IMCA 3) /- security 4) CMHT notified re husband
Placement planned
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Learning points

• elder abuse is more prevalent than we think and
  is under reported
• recognition of elder abuse
• what to do
• if in doubt report and seek advice

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references

• Help the aged literature
• Age concern literature
• OKeeffe M, Hills A, Doyle M, McCreadie C,
  Scholes S, Constantine R, Tinker A, Manthorpe J,
  Biggs S, Erens B, UK Study of Abuse and Neglect
  of Older People, 2007 Prevalence Survey Report.
  National Centre for Social Research Kings
  College London, June 2007
• Ogg J, Bennett GCJ. Elder abuse in Britain. BMJ
  1992 305 998-999
• Pillemer KA, Finklehor D. The prevalence of elder
  abuse a random sample survey. Gerontologist
  1988 28 51-57
• Everybody's business taking action on elder
  abuse. London Action on Elder Abuse,1995.