ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT - HOW TO RECOGNIZE WARNING SIGNS AND INTERVENE

Elder mistreatment, whether abuse or neglect, can be classified as phy sical, psychological, of financial/material. Several types of mistreat ment may occur simultaneously. Abuse occurs across all socioecomomic, racial, and religious lines. Risk factors include a history of mental illness or alcohol/drug abuse, a family history of violence, isolation of the victim, and recent stressful evens in the life of the victim o r abuser. For the physician, the patient workup includes a careful his tory and physical exam, including cognitive evaluation. Ask about livi ng arrangements, financial status, social supports, and emotional stre ssors. If possible, observe the interaction between the patient and fa mily member or caregiver. Helpful resources include your states Office of Protective Services and the American Medical Association's recentl y published guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of elder abuse and neglect.