Elder Abuse and mandated reporting

Elder Abuse and mandated reporting

The segment of the population that comprises older adults keeps growing larger and larger. It is estimated that the number of individuals aged over 65 years will continue to jump. In the period between 2000 and 2010 the population of the older adults in the US increased by 15%. Additionally, by gender, females seem to outnumber males in the older adults’ population (U.S. Census). Certain States in the US have reported higher older adults’ population than others. States such as Florida, Pennsylvania, and Maine have reported the highest percentages of the older adult population while Alaska has the lowest percentage. Older adults need care and sometimes they are exposed to neglect and abuse (The State of Aging and Health in America, n.d). The paper that follows will discuss the subject of elder abuse and relate it to mandatory reporting. Background on the older adult population

The older adults in the US face a myriad of challenges in their everyday life. Top on the list of these challenges are the challenges related to healthcare. It is estimated that at least 80% of the adult population is living with one or more chronic conditions. These conditions are developed or worsened by poor lifestyle choices that include over smoking, physical inactivity, and poor diets. Cancer, stroke, heart diseases, and diabetes are the highest chronic killers that threaten the adult population. These chronic diseases alone account for up to 60% of deaths among the older adults (Glendenning, 1999). This high proportion has necessitated the engagement of social workers in the management of care among the older adults.

The Process of Aging

Aging is a complex biological process that occasions the decline in the functions of sight, hearing, motor system and biological systems. Additionally, aging might occasion decrease in skin elasticity, changes in hair color, and hair loss. Often times, aging has been misinterpreted to mean a disease that affects people of a certain age. This misnomer is inaccurate. Matter of fact, aging is a biological process that every living creature, both flora and fauna, must go through. A clear understanding of the process of aging is critical for the proper application of care (The State of Aging and Health in America, n.d).

As stated earlier on, the older adults face many health and health-related challenges. Some of these challenges expose the older adults to risks that can only be said to be associated with aging. These risks may include falls that arise due to decline in mobility, medication management occasioned by factors such as confusion and forgetfulness, and isolation that is occasioned by an older adult’s withdrawal from social support. These risks can be mitigated by the involvement of social workers in older adults care and management (Rodriguez, 2007).

The Case of Elder Abuse

There are numerous factors that have led to an increase in the cases of elder abuse. Sadly, some of these cases go unreported exposing the older adult to untold pain and suffering. Research has revealed that persons over 75 years of age are the most vulnerable to elder abuse. The older adults are exposed to abuse that may be psychological, physical or fiduciary in nature. Abuse is further precipitated by the mental and physical declines expressed by the elderly. Additionally, caregiver stress can also add to or promote elder abuse. Elder abuse goes unreported because of factors that extend from fear of the elderly being institutionalized to a worst case scenario that might include retaliation from the abuser (Dimah, 2001).

The role of the Social Worker in working with older adults in health settings

A social worker is expected to use his or her skills in determining the occurrence, extent, and severity of abuse. The social worker is required by law to report all forms of elder abuse (Daniels et al, 1989). A sense of powerlessness on the part of the older adult should be taken as a potential indicator of elder abuse. The social worker is also expected to be cognizant of the potential signs of abuse. Refusal to speak freely, lack of personal grooming, and unexplained bruises and burns should serve as clear indicators of elder abuse.

Social workers are mandated reporters and as thus, they must report all forms of elder abuse. The channel of reporting varies depending on the place or setting where the elder abuse has been spotted. For instance, if elder abuse occurred in a long term facility such as a retirement home, the social worker can report this abuse to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman or the Bureau of Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse. Supposing the abuse is noted anywhere else, the mandated reporter must file a report with the local law enforcement agency or the local Adult Protective Services (Adult Protective Services, n.d.).

Assessment of Older Adults

The social worker can only establish the presence or absence of elder abuse by means such as observation and interviews. Often times, observation is not the best way of assessing older adults. Things are rarely what they seem. Therefore, the social worker can confirm his or her observation by interviewing the older adult. Before the commencement of the interview, the social worker must ensure that the respondent is comfortable enough to speak freely (Daily Living Assessment Surveys, n.d). Additionally, the social worker ought to assess parameters that include psychological and physiological well-being, social functioning, economic resources, spiritual assessment, social functioning, values and preference among others (Craig, 1994).

In conclusion, the many challenges faced by older adults in America can be managed by mandatory reporting. Longevity and value of life depends on the conditions afforded the older adults. Social workers must take lead on reporting every form of elder abuse.

 

References

Adult Protective Services. (n.d.). Adult Protective Services. Retrieved February 20, 2014, from http://www.cdss.ca.gov/agedblinddisabled/PG1298.htm

Craig, Y. (1994). Elder Mediation:. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 6(1), 83-96.

Daily Living Assessment Surveys. (n.d.). Daily Living Assessment Surveys. Retrieved February 20, 2014, from http://endoflifecare.tripod.com/imbeddedlinks/id17.html

Daniels, R. S., Baumhover, L. A., & Clark-Daniels, C. L. (1989). Physicians’ Mandatory Reporting of Elder Abuse. The Gerontologist, 29(3), 321-327.

Dimah, K. P. (2001). Patterns of Elder Abuse and Neglect in an Illinois Elder Abuse and Neglect Provider Agency: A Comparative Analysis. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 13(1), 27-44.

Glendenning, F. (1999). Elder Abuse And Neglect In Residential Settings: The Need For Inclusiveness In Elder Abuse Research. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 10(1-2), 1-11.

Rodriguez, M. A. (2006). Mandatory Reporting Of Elder Abuse: Between A Rock And A Hard Place. The Annals of Family Medicine, 4(5), 403-409.

The State of Aging and Health in America. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 20, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/aging/data/stateofaging.htm

The State of Aging and Health in America. (n.d.). The State of Aging and Health in America. Retrieved February 20, 2014, from http://www.agingsociety.org/agingsociety/publications/state/index.html

U.S Census. (n.d.). Census Bureau Homepage. Retrieved February 19, 2014, from http://www.census.gov/

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