Question: 1. What are possible indicators of abuse of older adults? How can these be identified?

2. If an elder is found to be competent, do they have the right to accept abuse from a caregiver? Why or why not?

3. Read the following scenario and answer from the perspective of a medical social worker.

A 75 year old man with pulmonary fibrosis is admitted for pneumonia. As you are going towards his room to document his medications, you hear his partner say to him in a nasty tone of voice: "Stop being so stubborn. I need you to give me access to your bank accounts. You're going to die alone unless you start cooperating." As you enter the room, the young man leaves quickly and you notice that the patient has tears in his eyes. You ask if everything is OK and the patient shakes his head "Yes", but doesn't say anything. After documenting the medication you leave, but the exchange between them keeps replaying in your head.

Questions for Consideration:

1) Are any signs of elder abuse present?

2) If yes, what types of elder abuse should the nurse be suspicious of?

3) What actions could you take?

4) What actions should you not take?

5) What if: The patient had said "No" when you asked if everything was OK?

4. Read the following scenario and answer from the perspective of a medical social worker. You are a home health social worker supervising the care team of a 56 year old woman who has multiple sclerosis. You have heard from the aides that they feel intimidated by the woman's husband. He loses his temper easily with them and with his wife and when he does he yells and uses foul language to all around him. He doesn't seem to understand that his wife can no longer do the things she used to be able to do. He tells you that he is resentful of his wife and her illness. One day an aide tells you that she noticed bruising on both of the wife's upper arms. The husband refuses to let you talk to the wife by herself.

Questions for Consideration:

1) Are any signs of elder abuse present?

2) If yes, what types of possible elder abuse should the nurse be suspicious of?

3) What actions should you take?

4) What action should you not take?

5. What are some behaviors that are considered part of elder abuse?

6. As a human service professional, how can you be sure to recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse?

7. What types of interventions may be beneficial to protect your client?

8. Where does mental illness and elderly abuse intersect?