Indicators of abuse in the elderly ICU patient

Elder abuse is a growing problem in the United States. Incidents of physical and sexual abuse, as well as neglect, continue to rise as the population ages. Maltreatment of the elderly is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rate, as well as increased health care costs. Fear, shame, and lack of knowledge contribute to underreporting of elder abuse and put the safety of elders at risk. This paper describes indicators of physical and sexual abuse and neglect in the elderly intensive care unit patient and presents how abuse can be identified in the critical care setting.