By: Proveedoras de Luz Home Health, LLC.
Allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, are not to be taken lightly and should be considered a topic discussed in every household for any who receives home health services. One of the responsibilities to be aware of as a caretaker for someone who is elderly, or who is unable to care for themselves, is learning how to detect signs abuse, neglect, or exploitation (ANE), and how to report it. Home life looks different in every household, which is why it is important to talk to the individual receiving services in their home about any potential signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Signs to look for:
Abuse
Abuse - “Abuse is mental, emotional, physical, or sexual injury to a child or person 65 years or older, or an adult with disabilities or failure to prevent such injury.”
Examples:
- Injuries such as burns
- bruises
- swollen areas
- red markings
- overmedicated
- weight loss
- over explaining injuries
- scared behavior
Neglect
Neglect - “Of a person 65 years or older or an adult with disabilities that results in starvation, dehydration, over or under-medication, unsanitary living conditions, and lack of heat, running water, electricity, medical care, and personal hygiene.”
Examples:
- Bed sores
- dirty clothes
- soiled bedding or furniture
- body odor
- weight loss
- hazardous home conditions
Exploitation
Exploitation – “Misusing the resources of a person 65 years or older or an adult with disabilities for personal or monetary benefit. This includes taking Social Security or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) checks, abusing a joint checking account, and taking property and other resources.”
Examples:
- unaware of income
- transfers of titles of personal property or beneficiaries
- large cash withdrawal
- failure to pay bills
- depleted bank accounts.
Other signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation, are also based off behavioral changes in the individual. This may also be as simple as showing fear, discord with a family member, or signs of manipulation. If you are working as a care attendant for a person receiving home health services in their own home, you may be contracted through the company you work for to follow certain guidelines in reporting situations.
In most cases, initial reporting is done through the active home health agency to gather information about the situation to better report to the Adult Protective Services (APS). Adult Protective Services, is an agency that protects individuals who may be experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This may come in the form of eyewitness accounts, testimonies, and or evidence of the situation. It is important to report situations in a timely manner to ensure that the individual’s needs are meant and that the individual is well protected.
Please, check with your supervisor or a home health company representative about any situations that you suspect any signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Self-reporting directly to Adult Protective Services is always an option by telephone or through the website link below.
References:
DFPS - Frequently Asked Questions About Reporting Abuse (texas.gov)
Indicators of Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation - Elder Abuse Alliance