[Elder abuse: practice issues for physicians]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Medical Ethics

Context:

• Elder abuse is a significant public health issue, affecting 4-6% of adults aged 65+ globally.
• Demographic shifts predict an increase in elder abuse cases.
• Recognizing diverse forms of abuse (psychological, financial, neglect, physical, rights violations) is crucial.

Purpose:

• To advocate for a systemic analysis of elder abuse, moving beyond simplistic victim-abuser dichotomies.
• To highlight the essential role of multidisciplinary teams, particularly physicians, in addressing elder abuse.
• To emphasize the necessity of active listening and documentation (e.g., EASI tool) for effective detection and follow-up.

Summary:

• Elder abuse is prevalent and multifaceted, necessitating a comprehensive, systemic approach.
• Physicians are vital in preventing, identifying, and managing elder abuse through attentive listening and documentation.
• Specialized services in Belgium (Respect Seniors, SEPAM) offer support for elder abuse cases.

Impact:

• Promotes a nuanced understanding of elder abuse, encouraging thorough investigation over simplistic judgments.
• Empowers healthcare professionals to actively participate in combating elder abuse.
• Facilitates access to specialized support services for victims of elder abuse.