Group items tagged

I am posting this article on the signs of elder abuse as it will be our ethical responsibility to report abuse if we see these signs in the workplace. The article is easy to read and quick to point out 5 types of abuse and what to look for in each type. The fist is physical abuse and the signs for these are bruises, broken bones, burns, abrasions, pressure marks, and odd explanations of injuries from staff or caregivers. The next type of abuse is neglect and the signs for this are dirty cloths, soiled diapers, bedsores, unusual weight loss, unusually messy home that wasn't before, and lack of DME. The next type of abuse is verbal or emotional abuse and the warning signs associated include, withdrawal, unusual behavior, nervous behavior around caregiver, strained or tense relationship with caregiver or staff, forced isolation from family or caregiver, and caregivers or staff that snap or yell. The article also describes signs of sexual abuse and signs of financial exploitation. As OTs it will be our duty and ethical responsibility to report elder abuse. Home health and SNF are probably the two most prominent areas of practice that might see this problem.

This column was written in response to an article written by Rosie O'Donnell after receiving CHT from an OT due to a flexor tendon repair. The column's author was disappointed in the CHT's inability to address O'Donnell's psychosocial issues after the injury. O'Donnell stated "place and hold and isolate and hook" is what she learned from CHT. The column's author believes the psychosocial issues that could have been addressed included learning one handed child caring techniques or interventions including one hand cooking; treatments that would impact O'Donnell's everyday life.