Vulnerable Populations in the Workplace: Elder Abuse

Vulnerable Populations in the Workplace: Elder Abuse

Mildred Martin

NUR/440

December 6, 2010

Sheila DeVaugh

"Elder abuse can be defined as 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, 2010). Elder abuse can be in many different forms such as physical, emotional, sexual, financial, self neglect, caregiver neglect, extortion, or exploitation. It can be the result of intentional or unintentional abuse. Elderly people who experience elder abuse may suffer from life threatening health complications, increased anxiety, depression, helplessness, etc.... Many health care workers do not realize that the elderly are considered a vulnerable population.

As the elderly population continues to grow the elder abuse continues to rise every year also. More than two million elderly Americans experience some type of abuse. For every one there are five more incidents that go unreported. Contrary to most beliefs less than 4% of reported elder abuse occurs in nursing home. More than 12% of the elderly experience some type of elder abuse.

I am currently the Director of Nursing for a home health agency in rural Arkansas. Our census averages 180 patients. In home health we see patients daily in their normal home environment. Many health care workers are unfamiliar with elder abuse and what signs to look for in the patient's home environment for possible elder abuse. We recently have had several cases of elder abuse with our current home health patients.

I created an educational brochure for my nurses, aides, therapists, and social workers to refer to. I reviewed the brochure in a staff meeting with all of the employee's two weeks ago.

The educational brochure identified the elderly as a vulnerable population for possible elder abuse. Elderly people who have physical or mental disabilities, high care needs, frail, mentally impaired, or depressed are at higher risk for elder abuse. Some areas that could indicate abuse were discussed. Some were poor personal or physical care or hygiene, change in living arrangements (from no family to a house full of family or friends). The educational brochure on elder abuse gave a brief definition of elder abuse, statistics, types of elder abuse, signs of different types of elder abuse, and the most important what should you ask if you suspect elder abuse. Signs of physical, emotional, caregiver neglect, self neglect, sexual, financial, exploitation, and extortion abuse were reviewed and discussed. The most common abusers are both men and women, adult children or step children, family member, spouse, caregiver, and paid help.

Once I completed the review of the brochure, we had an open discussion and discussed the additional information in regards to elder abuse. Reasons for possible elder abuse