The role of the dermatologist in detecting elder abuse and neglect

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2015-08, Vol.73 (2), p.285-293
• Main Authors: Danesh, Melissa J., BS, Chang, Anne Lynn S., MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: abuse; adult protective services; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; California - epidemiology; Dermatology; Dermatology - methods; elder abuse; Elder Abuse - diagnosis; Elder Abuse - prevention & control; elder mistreatment; elder neglect; Female; Geriatric Assessment - methods; geriatrics; Health Services for the Aged - organization & administration; Humans; Male; Mandatory Reporting; Mass Screening - organization & administration; Needs Assessment; Physician's Role; reporting elder abuse; screening tools; Skin Diseases - diagnosis; Skin Diseases - epidemiology; Vulnerable Populations
• ISSN: 0190-9622; 1097-6787
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.04.006

The National Research Council of the National Academies defines elder mistreatment as: (1) intentional actions that cause harm or create serious risk of harm (whether or not harm is intended) to a vulnerable elder by a caregiver or other person who stands in a trust relationship to the elder; or (2) failure by a caregiver to satisfy the elder's basic needs or to protect the elder from harm. Estimates of the prevalence of elder abuse have ranged from 2.2% to 18.4%. Dermatologists are uniquely positioned to identify and manage suspected cases of elder abuse given their expertise in distinguishing skin lesions of abuse from organic medical disease and their patient populations with strong elderly representation. This article discusses aspects of both the screening and management of elder abuse with particular relevance to dermatologists. Like physicians across medical specialties, dermatologists must be familiar with those aspects of elder abuse in screening, diagnosis, management, and reporting that are unique to their field and to those aspects that are applicable to all health care providers.