Principles of working with Elder Abuse
Rights of elders
Worker Responsibilities
Documentation
There is often great reluctance and/or fear on the part of the elder to
report abuse. Threats of placement in a nursing home or shame that a
family member may be involved often prevent the elder from seeking hlep.
Therefor, sensitivity to these issues must guide those wishing to offer
assistance in suspected abuse cases.
- Rights of Elders
The elder has the right to determine her/his affairs to the full extent
of her/his ability.
- The elder has the right to receive protective services in the
least restrictive environment possible to achieve freedom, safety,
and least disruption of lifestyle.
- The elder's freedom to choose is of higher priority than the
elder's safety. That is, if the elder is competent to choose, that
choice may include living self-destructively, as long as the elder
commits no crimes and harms no one.
- When interests compete, the elder has the right to make
decisions until s/he voluntarily delegates responsibility to
another, or the court grants this responsibility to another.
- The elder has the right to confidentiality: Information
regarding the client's affairs should only be shared between
agencies as authorized by the client. Written client consent
forms are suggested.
Information about the client's affairs should only be shared with other
professionals as it pertains to the provision of sevices.
- Worker Responsibilities
It is important to report a case of suspected abuse.
If abuse is supected, check it out, ask questions.
Although you may not be sure a case actually involves elder abuse,
it is best to contact the agency in your area that receives reports
about elder abuse and let the professionals make the determination.
- Documentation
Anyone who comes upon a situation of suspected abuse, including
friends, neighbors, community workers, home health aids, etc., is
strongly encouraged to report her/his findings. Symptoms and
conditions of suspected abuse should be defined clearly, specifically,
and objectelyly, avoiding feeling words.
- Records - Agency representative need to keep detailed
records of suspected abuse, whether legal action is intended or not.
Patterns and histories of clients may become crucial at a later
date. If your professional status assumes a confidential
relationship with the client, measures must be taken to protect
that trust.
- Witnesses - Reporters of abuse must describe statements
made by others as accurately as possible; what actions were taken,
by whom, when, where, etc. Information should be included on how
witnesses may be contacted.
- Photographs - It may be necessary to photograph wounds
or injuries, the condition of a room, a bed, etc. A hospital
emergency room or the police department can be asked to photgraph
emergency situations. Cases where legal action is intended should
have photographs as evidence.
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