Elder Mistreatment: A Case Report

Abstract

Elder mistreatment may become increasingly apparent as the elderly population continues to grow. Due to their knowledge and skills, physicians have a unique role in the multidisciplinary teams that care for such patients. This case report examines the suspected elder mistreatment in an aphasic, septic patient under the care of family members, one of which was also his medical decision maker. The healthcare team utilized medical and community resources in the care and intervention, which exemplified characteristics of best practice. Physicians and other providers have a responsibility to better identify and intervene in suspected cases of elder mistreatment and further education must be sought in order to adequately serve the elderly community.

About elder mistreatment: a brief report

“…Elder abuse may be defined as 'a deliberate action or failure of action by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that risks harm to an older adult.' 2 While the term is now fairly established and recognized in the developed countries of the world, in developing countries such as Pakistan, cases often get missed due to failure of recognition of signs and symptoms of abuse, and a general complacency and lack of a discourse regarding health and quality of life of our elderly population by the younger demographic-indeed most symptoms of an elderly persons deteriorating health are considered the inevitable consequence of their 'old age'. Many hospitals may not have a proper system in place, that is devoted to managing cases of abuse, therefore, healthcare workers, despite having an inkling of foul-play may not know how and who to approach when encountering such cases.…”