Attorney
Elder abuse is possibly one of the most horrific crimes plaguing California today. Not only are our elderly subjected to financial and psychological abuse at the hands of “caretakers,” but many are also suffering the physical effects of assault and/or neglect. To make matters worse, a recent study has concluded that the signs of elder abuse may be underdiagnosed in local emergency rooms, often mistaken for routine falls or other medical conditions commonly associated with the elderly population.
According to a 2016 study published by researchers from the University of North Carolina, University of San Diego, and Wiel Cornell Medicine, there are only 7,700 reported cases of elder abuse by hospitals across all 50 states. In light of earlier researcher suggesting that nearly one out of every ten senior citizens is the victim of elder abuse, this figure seems far too low – especially given the fact that over 23 million emergency room visits by senior citizens occur each year.
One of the major contributors to these underdiagnoses – according to the research – are the issues commonly associated with the aging population, including cognitive impairment and dementia. Moreover, it is not generally uncommon for physically frail individuals to fall or to present with bruising – making it even more difficult for emergency room providers to decipher the difference.
Fortunately, awareness training is increasing for emergency department personnel, including the implementation of home safety assessments. Using this tool, nurses and doctors may be able to uncover possible elder abuse through a series of questions between the provider and patient. Fortunately, this assessment is also geared toward those with cognitive impairment, and includes questions to help the patient best articulate their home surroundings and daily routines.
In the words of one of the researchers involved, “[i]t can be very difficult distinguishing whether a bruise is from a fall or physical abuse, or whether poor hygiene is a result of a patient asking to be left alone or the result of overt neglect on the part of a care provider….But those difficulties don’t change the reality that elder abuse is common, takes a tremendous toll on its victims, and is frequently missed.”
If you suspect elder abuse, contact an elder law attorney today
If you have questions or concerns about long-term care planning or proper elder care issues, please contact our office right away: 925-275-5509.