Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Abuse
Recognition and Reporting for Nurses and Other Healthcare Professionals

CONTACT HOURS: 2

Copyright © 2021 Wild Iris Medical Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

BY: 

Adrianne E. Avillion, DEd, MSN, RN; Judy K. Orth, BSN, MA, RN, CHPN

LEARNING OUTCOME AND OBJECTIVES:  Upon completion of this course, you will have the current, evidence-based information and tools you need to accurately identify and report suspected dependent adult and vulnerable elder abuse. Specific learning objectives to address potential knowledge gaps include:

  • Define “elder (older adult) abuse” and “dependent adult abuse.”
  • Recognize the indicators of abuse.
  • Discuss the risk factors for those who experience abuse and its perpetrators.
  • Explain the reporting process and barriers to reporting suspected abuse.
  • Summarize protective interventions that may be taken in cases of abuse.
  • Describe efforts to prevent abuse of persons at risk.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Introduction
  • Epidemiology
  • Categories of Abuse
  • Recognizing Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Abuse
  • Reporting Suspected Abuse
  • Protective Interventions
  • Conclusion
  • Resources
  • References

INTRODUCTION


The abuse and mistreatment of dependent adults and vulnerable older adults is a hidden epidemic, with a massive number of invisible victims. Healthcare professionals are in a unique position to recognize and report this abuse in order to protect their patients, and in some states, they are mandated by law to do so.

The abuse of dependent older adults by family members in particular dates back to ancient times. It often remained a private matter, hidden from public view. Mistreatment of the elderly and dependent older adults was first described in modern scientific literature under the term granny battering (Burston, 1975). Today, this sort of abuse is considered a social welfare issue as well as a public health and criminal justice concern.

The sadness that accompanies the abuse of older adults and dependent adults is incomprehensible and overwhelming at times. Disabled, dependent, and older adults are sometimes abused by the very people entrusted to help them, including professional caregivers (e.g., personal assistants, health technicians, home health aides, nursing assistants) and family members. These types of abuse are known to occur anywhere: at home, in healthcare facilities, and within the community at large.

When abuse does occur, the dependent or elder adult’s personal health, safety, and emotional well-being becomes eroded and at risk, along with their ability to engage in daily life activities.

DEFINITIONS

Following are general definitions related to abuse of elder (older) adults, dependent adults, and vulnerable adults. State laws provide specific definitions relating to such abuse, and all healthcare professionals should familiarize themselves with the laws in their respective states.

Dependent adult typically means a person 18 years of age or older who is wholly or partially dependent upon one or more other persons for emotional and/or physical care and support. Dependent adults have not established financial independence and would be in danger if care or support is stopped (US Legal, 2020).

Vulnerable adult typically describes persons 18 years of age or older who, because of physical and/or mental health disorders, impaired cognition, advanced age, chronic use of drugs or alcohol, or confinement, are unable to meet their own needs or to seek help without assistance (Sitkans Against Family Violence, n.d.).

Vulnerable adult abuse generally refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that leads to harm, or a serious risk of harm, to a vulnerable adult (Sitkans Against Family Violence, n.d.).

Elder (older adult) abuse refers to an intentional act, or failure to act, that causes harm or risk of harm to an older adult. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020) an older adult is a person age 60 or older.

Caretaker is a person or institution that has responsibility for the care of an adult because of a family relationship or who has assumed the responsibility for the care of the adult voluntarily or by contract or agreement (Law Insider, 2020).

Disability, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.” Persons with a disability include those who have a record of such impairment even if they do not currently have a disability. The ADA also makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone because of their association with a person with a disability (ADA National Network, 2020).