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Elder abuse: ethical and practical dilemmas for social work.
Health & Social Work
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Elder abuse, a form of family violence, is gaining public attention. This study examines how hospital teams, particularly social workers, address elder abuse and the challenges they face.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Work
- Public Health
Background:
- Elder abuse is a pervasive issue within family violence, increasingly recognized by the public.
- Healthcare settings are critical points for identifying and intervening in elder abuse cases.
Observation:
- An acute-care hospital's interdisciplinary team's approach to assessing elder abuse is detailed.
- The central role of the social worker in these assessments is highlighted.
Findings:
- The study explores the complex ethical and practical dilemmas encountered by helping professionals when managing elder abuse.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for effective elder abuse assessment and intervention.
Implications:
- Findings inform healthcare professionals on best practices for addressing elder abuse.
- Enhanced understanding of social worker roles can improve support systems for abused elderly individuals.
- Increased public awareness and professional focus are vital for combating elder abuse.