Process for Adult Abuse
UMHHC Policy 02-05-012 Vulnerable adult Abuse identification, Assessment and care. All Social Worker's should be knowledgeable about this policy.
The policy states "vulnerable adults are screened for potential violence, abuse, and/or neglect during encounters, and are provided appropriate intervention and care/services with the goal of increasing the patient's safety. Furthermore, the UMHS will facilitate the notification of authorities, as indicated by law. "
The social worker or health care provider will:
1. Call the Abuse Consultation Team at 763-0215 for consultation on reporting requirements, appropriate follow-up, to access a social worker for follow-up, and to notify the ACT that a vulnerable adult abuse case has been identified, if necessary.
2. Refer the patient to Adult Protective Services for aid in dealing with an abusive relationship in accordance with Michigan Law, (Exhibit C).3. Document the abuse/neglect on the CPT 1998 form. (Exhibit B)
Simply asking a patient if they have been neglected has been found to be a good screening question. See Fulmer, et al. 2003 below.
Additional Interventions that should be considered include:
Social work documentation should reflect your awareness of presence of absence of Adult Abuse.
Where can you get more information about Elder Abuse
National Center on Elder Abuse
National Committee For the Prevention of Elder Abuse
Administration on Aging Elder Rights and Resources
National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life - Has a directory of programs for adult abuse including listings of shelters (only a few states have them).
Michigan Elder Abuse Task Force - Check out what is going on in Michigan to improve services.
Evidence Based Practive Information
Fulmer, T. T., L. Guadagno, et al. (2003). "Profiles of older adults who screen positive for neglect during an emergency department visit." Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect 15(2).