Role Of The Health care Provider In Prevention And Recognition Of Adult Abuse

The Current incidence of adult abuse is greater than that for child abuse 

Adult Abuse only affects lower socio-economic classes    

Adult Abuse is a growing problem 

An Adult is defined as a person over 21 years of age 

The term "Abuse" is used to describe a non-consenting adult who is deprived of food, water, medication, shelter, and heating/ cooling    

Exploitation can be defined as illegal use of an incapacitated adult's person or resources 

The Term "Abuse" is characterized by intentional infliction of physical harm, injury caused by either negligence or omission, unreasonable confinement and/or, sexual abuse/assault. 

An incapacitated adult is one with a physical and/or mental disorder or disability preventing the ability to protect himself / herself from adult abuse   

The first clue to adult abuse as in impassible history to explain injuries or condition 

The purpose of APS is to remove adults from a situation as soon as a report of suspected abuse is made 

The Home Care Provider is not responsible to report suspected adult abuse  

The Home Care Provider must be concerned about repercussions for their actions in reporting suspected abuse   

Documentation is unimportant when reporting suspected abuse 

Documentation of suspected adult abuse should include a report of injuries nutritional status and cognitive status of the victim

The problem of adult abuse will eventually go away