The Occupational Therapy Elder Abuse Checklist

ABSTRACT

Occupational therapists encounter elder abuse in society and in clinical practice; however, the occupational therapy literature is void of information and tools for assessing and treating individuals at risk. Occupational therapists are in a unique position to identify elder abuse. Definitions of elder abuse, signs and symptoms of elder abuse, and reporting practices required of professionals coming in contact with individuals who may have been abused are presented. The Occupational Therapy Elder Abuse Checklist was developed to assist the occupational therapist as well as other health care professionals in uncovering abusive situations of elders who are either living alone or living with others. Guidelines are provided for use with the tool. A case study illustrates use of the tool for reporting suspected abuse, and the assessment and treatment of an individual who is a victim of elder abuse.

Key Words:

• Elder abuse
• neglect
• occupational therapy assessment