Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes

Jilian AcevedoFordham University

Graduate School of Social ServiceNew York, New York

SW and the LawDr. Maschi

July 12, 2014

Presentation Overview Critical Analysis of Elder Abuse in

Nursing Homes Critical Assessment Prevention and Intervention Strategies

Critical Assessment

Problem Backgroud The elderly is a vulnerable

population. Abuse occurs in different forms such

as physical abuse, emotional/psychological, sexual, financial exploitation and intentional abuse

Case Vignette Carmen Rivera is a 62 year old

female. Diabetes Son involved in care, however needs

long term placement Son informed by resident that she

was verbally abused (emotional abuse)

Theory/Perspective Situational theory This theory states that a caregiver who is filled

with much burden cannot take the stresses of being a compassionate caregiver.

I disagree with this theory. It is imperative that healthcare professionals are

educated on boundaries and the importance of providing quality care.

United Nations Document Article 1 of the Universal Declaration

of Human Rights (UDHR) states: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

United Nations Document Continued Article 5 of the UDHR states: “No one

shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

Federal and State Policy The Elder Justice Act is a federal

policy that came into effect in March of 2010 signed by Obama

Helps to protect the resident’s from abuse.

Prevention and Intervention Strategies

Promising Practice Seven elements to resident abuse. Screening Training Prevention Identification Investigation

Promising Practice Cont. Protection Reporting

Engagement and Collaboration

Families are encouraged to report their concerns, incidents and suggestions

Families are informed if any abuse has occurred.

Evidence Although the elements are followed it

has not really proven that it is effective, as there continues to be cases of abuse in nursing facilities.

Prevention Prevention is the third element of the

seven. Prior to prevention there is screening

and training of new employees. Thorough background checks and

interviews are completed. In-services provided.

Policy Reform The role of policy reform and

advocacy falls on the healthcare professionals.

Our role as healthcare professionals is to report any suspicion of abuse

Recommendations State level, I recommend that New

York State implement its own law on resident abuse.

Many elderly fear the admission of a nursing home. Having a law in place can alleviate those concerns on a state level.

Final Reflection

What Did I Learn? More knowledgeable of the

prevention of elderly abuse Now I have the skill to educate and

encourage others

Reflection I wish to continue working with the

elderly population. This population needs advocacy.

Resources

References Fulmer, T., Guadagno, L., Dyer, C., & Connolly, M. (2004).

Progress in Elder Abuse Screening and Assessment Instruments. Journal Of The American Geriatrics Society, 52(2), 297-304. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2004.52074.x

Shinan-Altman, S., & Cohen, M. (2009). Nursing Aides' Attitudes to Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes: The Effect of Work Stressors and Burnout. Gerontologist, 49(5), 674-684.

Solomon, J., & Reingold, D. A. (2012). Creating and Elder Abuse Shelter: A Best-Practice model for Nonprofit Nursing Homes. Generations, 36(3), 64-65.

References http://gerontology.usc.edu/news-resources/news/

what-is-the-elder-justice-act/ http://nursinghome.org/pro/popups/releases/news

07_01_99.html http://www.nyc.gov/html/dfta/html/services/crime-

victims.shtml http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/default.a

sp http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/

Contact Information Jilian Acevedo, Graduate Social Work

Student Jacevedo13@fordham.edu