Question

Sally Donovan, 92 years old, is in the gerontology clinic today. She currently lives with her 65-year-old son. You notice that she has lost 30 pounds since her last visit 2 months ago. Her demeanor is submissive and she looks to her son to answer any direct questions from the medical assistant and the provider. At checkout, her son opens her checkbook and writes the check for her co-payment, including signing her name on the signature line.

1. What are the alarm signs for potential elder abuse with Ms. Donovan?
2. What are your next steps in reporting suspected elder abuse?

Answer 1

The drastic drop in weight means she is most likely not eating, meaning her son wasn't feeding her, thats abuse. She isn't able to write out her own checks and allows her son to do so, thats illegal, he is most likely writing out her checks for himself, completely illegal. Whoever witnesses this must report it, especially in a business, to the authorities with their names and information