Date of Award
4-2014
Document Type
Independent Study
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
With the increasing elderly population, elderly abuse is a growing problem. Health care providers are in a position to screen and detect potential and current abuse situations. Through an observed clinical simulation and literature review, detection and screening of elder abuse is reviewed. The case presented is of a 62-year-old female who is seen in the clinic with her abuser present. Through interviewing the patient red flags of an abusive relationship are apparent. Physical examination of the patient revels braising that does not match the reported mechanism of injury. The need for screening of abuse is evident in the case. All health care providers who care for adults age 65 and older need to be knowledgeable about elder abuse prevalence, and screening for abuse. This case report synthesizes the literature surrounding elder abuse detection. The screening tool of Elder Abuse Suspicious Index (EASI) is supported throughout the literature review. There is a need for screening and detecting elder abuse now, and available tools may be adapted to clinical practice while further research is conducted. When elderly patients and their caregivers are asked about abuse they often will report it, thus primary care providers should be screening and asking about abuse to caregivers and elderly patients
Recommended Citation
Stettner, Jessica, "Elderly Abuse Detection" (2014). Theses and Dissertations. 4738.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/4738