Sally Donovan, 92 years old, is in the gerontology clinic today. She currently lives with her 65-year-old son. You notice that she has lost 30 pounds since her last visit 2 months ago. Her demeanor is submissive and she looks to her son to answer any direct questions from the medical assistant and the provider. At checkout, her son opens her checkbook and writes the check for her co-payment, including signing her name on the signature line.
What are the alarm signs for potential elder abuse with Ms. Donovan?
What are your next steps in reporting suspected elder abuse?
Ans) When she finds out she lost 30 pounds in two months, she looks to her son to answer any questions and possibly when he writes the check signing her name along with her submissive behavior.
- Alarm signs include weight loss, submissive demeanor, and
evidence of financial influence.
- The next steps in reporting suspected elder abuse:
A report must be made to the local designated protective service
agency. Check your local laws to determine who
the report must be directed to.
Sally Donovan, 92 years old, is in the gerontology clinic today. She currently lives with her...