Indicators of Elder Abuse

With elder abuse a growing national tragedy, it is critical to recognize its signs and document them properly. Here are some of the potential indicators of elder abuse:

• Multiple injuries in various stages of healing.
  
• Injuries to the trunk, stomach, genitalia, buttocks and thighs.
  
• Injuries to the face, ears, neck and upper arms.
  
• Dehydration, malnutrition, bedsores, misuse of medications or
  excessive dirt and odor (possible signs of neglect).
  
• Control marks on the wrists, forearms or biceps.
  
• Look carefully; bruises may reveal the nature of the object
  with which the patient was struck:
  
• Fixed objects like coat hangers, sticks and paddles hit only one plane of the body at a time.
• Wraparound objects such as belts, cords and whips will curve around the body and strike more than one plane at a time.
• A hand can make both kinds of bruises, depending on the size of the patient and the abuser.
• Dehydration, malnutrition, bedsores, misuse of medication or excessive dirt and odor may indicate neglect.
• Be aware of changes in demeanor or activity level.
• Separate the patient and the caregiver when asking questions, and document your interview.
• Ask simple, direct questions like, “Did someone hurt you?”
• Inquire about the patient’s living situation: “Do you live alone?”
• “Where will you be staying now, and who will be caring for you?”
• “Will you feel safe there?”
• Find out about other household members. Is there a substance abuser in the home?
• Does anyone have employment or financial problems?

Gather Details:

When did it happen?
How much time passed between the injury and the time medical attention was sought?
How did it happen?
Is the explanation consistent with the injury?
Take note of an unwillingness or inability to communicate.
Is the patient a victim of abuse or neglect? Neglect, whether intentional or not, is still considered a form of abuse.

Documenting Elder Abuse

Instant accurate photographic documentation of abuse can be critical in protecting elderly victims from further harm and prosecuting the abusers. Here are some tips for photo documenting injuries:

Photograph from different angles.
Include full-body, facial and midrange photos, showing the location of injuries.
Highlight details with close-up photos.
Take at least two photos of each trauma area.
Label photos immediately with the subject’s name, date and photographer’s signature.
Make sure your agency has written policies and procedures for documenting and preserving crucial evidence.

For more information about Polaroid’s Spectra Injury Documentation Kit call 1-800/662-8337 ext. 490 or visit their website at: www.polaroid.com.