Contributing factors Children and adults with disabilities can become easy targets for abuse. This vulnerability may stem from the additional and ongoing daily needs of the individual with disabilities; frustration experienced by the caregiver; or the lack of respite afforded to the caregiver by other family members, friends, or social services agencies (CDC, 2019). There may be a feeling of self-pity on Reporting Although dentists are mandatory reporters of child abuse in all states, this is not the case with the reporting of disabled persons abuse. However, reporting such abuse is becoming increasingly required by individual state laws. In Massachusetts, for example, dentists are among the mandatory reporters of abuse of people with disabilities (Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 2022). According to Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities,
the part of the caregiver, a “Why me?” attitude. As with other forms of abuse, external forces will also contribute. Financial stress, other emotional duress, lack of caregiving skills, and lack of support all can play a part in the abuse or neglect of a child or adult with disabilities.
any person who suspects that a person with developmental disabilities is being abused, neglected, or exploited must report these suspicions via the Florida Abuse Hotline (APDCares, n.d.). Not to make such a report is a misdemeanor in the second degree (2022 Florida Statutes, Title XXX, §415.111[1]). Suspicions of self-neglect must also be reported.
ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Definition, data, and demographics Elder abuse is a term that refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. The specificity of laws varies from state to state, but broadly defined, abuse may be the following: ● Physical abuse : Inflicting, or threatening to inflict, physical pain or injury on a vulnerable elder, or depriving them of a basic need. ● Emotional abuse : Inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts. ● Sexual abuse : Nonconsensual sexual contact of any kind with a vulnerable elder. ● Exploitation : Illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder, including failure to use the elder’s own resources for their necessary care. ● Neglect : Refusal or failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, healthcare, or protection for a vulnerable elder. ● Abandonment : The desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person. ● Confinement : Restraining or isolating the vulnerable elder when it is not medically necessary. (CDC, 2021a; National Council on Aging, 2021; Patel et al., 2021) Contributing factors Elder abuse, like other types of family violence, is extremely complex. Generally, a combination of psychological, social, and economic factors, along with the mental and physical conditions of the victim and the perpetrator, contribute to the occurrence of elder maltreatment. Risk factors for elder abuse can include intimate partner violence, in which the previously battered partner is now in a relative position of strength and able to exact “revenge” for prior instances of abuse. The risks for elder abuse can also be exacerbated by personal problems of the abusers. Factors related to living with others or living in isolation can contribute to elder maltreatment. Caregiver stresses can also be a contributing factor (CDC, 2020b). Elder abuse may in some cases reflect a continuous cycle of violence in which individuals Reporting The requirement to report abuse or neglect of elders or other vulnerable adults varies widely from state to state. All members of the dental team must become familiar with the appropriate laws in their state pertaining to reporting. Typically, reports are made to an adult protective services (APS) agency within the state departments of social services or senior services. Reports may also be made to law enforcement or, in the case
Elder abuse is a serious and ongoing problem in the U.S. for which there is limited prevalence data. In 2008, one in ten elders reported emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment or potential neglect in the previous year (CDC, 2016). It is unclear whether this figure includes victims of elder maltreatment in institutional settings or is limited to community-residing elders. Indicators of elder abuse can include: ● Unexplained or implausible injuries. ● Family members providing different explanations of how injuries were sustained. ● A history of similar injuries, numerous hospitalizations, or both. ● Victims brought to different medical facilities for treatment to prevent medical practitioners from observing a pattern of abuse. ● Delay between the injury and the seeking of medical care. (Aging & Disability Resource Center of Broward County, n.d.) Head and neck injuries are often seen in victims of elder abuse. It has been reported that approximately 30% of elder abuse cases present with head, neck or facial injuries (Voelker, 2022). who were abused as children grow up to abuse their spouses, their children, and their parents. In addition to physical cruelty, elder abuse can also include mental, financial, emotional, and sexual exploitation. Emotional mistreatment is frequently overlooked because the patient seems to be in good health and shows no physical signs of any wrongdoing. During patient visits, dental professionals should ask older clients if they have been left alone or are in confinement. Seniors may suddenly seem reserved or unhappy when they were usually more sociable and outgoing during previous visits and may be fearful, be anxious or have difficulties in trusting others (CDC, 2016; National Council on Aging, 2021). of abuse or neglect within an institutional setting, to a long- term care ombudsman service, an independent intermediary that investigates complaints and mediates between parties. In Florida, where reporting is mandated, reports are made to the Florida Abuse Hotline (Florida Department of Children and Families, 2019a).
Page 6
Book Code: DHFL2624
EliteLearning.com/ Dental
Powered by FlippingBook