Elder Abuse-A Guide to Diagnosis and Management in the Emergency Department.

TitleElder Abuse-A Guide to Diagnosis and Management in the Emergency Department.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsCimino-Fiallos N, Rosen T
JournalEmerg Med Clin North Am
Volume39
Issue2
Pagination405-417
Date Published2021 May
ISSN1558-0539
KeywordsAged, COVID-19, Culture, Diagnostic Imaging, Elder Abuse, Emergency Service, Hospital, Geriatric Assessment, Hematologic Tests, Humans, Mandatory Reporting, Medical History Taking, Patient Care Team, Physical Abuse, Urinalysis
Abstract

Elder abuse affects many older adults and can be life threatening. Older adults both in the community and long-term care facilities are at risk. An emergency department visit is an opportunity for an abuse victim to seek help. Emergency clinicians should be able to recognize the signs of abuse, including patterns of injury consistent with mistreatment. Screening tools can assist clinicians in the diagnosis of abuse. Physicians can help victims of mistreatment by reporting the abuse to the appropriate investigative agency and by developing a treatment plan with a multidisciplinary team to include a safe discharge plan and close follow-up.

DOI10.1016/j.emc.2021.01.009
Alternate JournalEmerg Med Clin North Am
PubMed ID33863468