When older adults come to the emergency room with apparent signs of neglect,
it’s important that physicians are able to determine whether the
symptoms are consistent with elder abuse. The patient’s symptoms
may be a result of willful neglect, unintentional neglect or an unrelated
underlying illness.
According an article in
Science Daily, studies done on two case studies found that similar symptoms of neglect
were caused from two very different situations. In one case, a patient’s
daughter found herself frustrated that her care agency refused to take
care of her father when his condition worsened. The daughter, thinking
she could provide better care than the agency, went against the medical
advice given to her and brought her father home from the hospital.
In the second case, a patient’s son deliberately neglected his father
for his own financial gain. Since his father “didn’t need
to see a doctor or take medicine because he is dying,” the son continuously
refused to provide medical care.
Working as a Team
In order to accurately and appropriately identify legitimate cases of elder
abuse, it’s recommended that a team-oriented approach would be most
beneficial. These teams can consist of medical providers, triage providers,
nurses, radiologists and technicians, social workers and case managers.
According to the article, opportunities to detect and report elder abuse
are presented throughout the course of treatment – from the moment
paramedics respond to an emergency situation to the clinical exams the
patient undergoes at the hospital.
When you first notice signs of elder abuse in a loved one, it’s important
to talk to a proven Los Angeles elder abuse attorney. At Norman Taylor
& Associates, we work closely with clients and handle cases with the
care and attention they deserve. To learn more about your case, call (888)
510-8619 and request your
free consultation.