Risk for abuse/neglect: documentation of assessment data and diagnoses

1. Elder abuse/neglect is becoming an increasing problem in our society. It is estimated that 1.5 million individuals are victims of elder abuse or mistreatment every year, with only one in five cases reported. 2. Despite the increased concern for elder abuse/neglect, there is a lack of research in the area of charting on adult vulnerability and risk for abuse/neglect. 3. Information sharing, increased awareness, education, and adding areas of notation on the chart or care plan appear to be helpful in increasing the documentation on adult vulnerability.