Elder Abuse Follow-up

Updated: Nov 12, 2019
  • Author: Trevor John Mills, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP  more...
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Follow-up

Further Outpatient Care

Long-term assessment and care vary with the needs of the patient. Assessment usually involves a visit to the home to evaluate the patient's functional status, living environment, and the condition of the caregiver. The services needed to optimize the care of the patient can be determined only after a home visit.

In a descriptive study of in-home geriatric assessment in two New Jersey counties, it was discovered that this assessment was able to contribute at least one relevant intervention for 81% of referred adult protective services (APS) clients to collaboratively help mitigate elder mistreatment circumstances. [13] This underscores the importance of referral to the appropriate services and agencies.

Stress to competent patients who refuse help that abuse rarely resolves—it usually escalates. Inform patients that a number of agencies can provide help; provide phone numbers and addresses of these agencies. Develop safety and follow-up plans before the patient leaves the ED.

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