Question

A doctor working in the Emergency department receives an 83 year old female patient named Judy. Judy is underweight, confused and appears dishevelled. After examining the patient, the practitioner is immediately concerned about an ulcer that has developed on the sacrum, and asks Judy’s sister, Kathleen, how it developed. She explained that her sibling sits in a wheelchair most of the time, or lies on her bed, and that she lives with her daughter Kerry and her grandson. Her sister provides care when she can, but otherwise must rely on her daughter and grandson to provide assistance. The practitioner decides that collaborative input on some complex issues is required. Firstly, he calls for the social worker.

1. Explain the type and indicators of abuse in this case scenario. Your answer must be between50 - 100 words in length.
2. Describe the processes supervised by the doctor to identify a situation of abuse. Your answer must be approximately 20 – 50 words in length.
3. Describe the role and responsibilities of the social worker in supporting Judy. Your answer must be approximately 50 – 100 words in length.
4. How could the NSW Interagency Policy 2015 be a useful guide in this scenario?Your answer must be approximately 20 – 50 words in length.

Answer 1

a) The type of abuse - Neglect :Refusal or failure,to fullfill any part of a person's obligations and duties to an elderly person.

* The appearance of the patient - dishevelled appearance

* she was confused

* Underweight can be indicator but sometimes it's common in elderly people with underweight

* Presence ulcer which is not taken care

* Importantly, Mrs Judy got into the hospital by her sister, where she is living with her daughter and grandson.

b) The process through which doctor identified the abuse

* Observation

* History collection

Both the process plays a significant role to make out such daignosis and problems which actually neglect by health care workers, especially in emergency situations.

C) Social worker is the important support and service provider after the condition and problem identified

* Investigation of the problem (genuiety is important)

* Enquire with relatives and victim of she could

* Arrange an elderly home service if she is willing otherwise a home visits from healthcare services for further care.

* Reassure and provide support to the patient

* Counsel her in concerns

D)Elderly abuse interagency policy

The Preventing and responding to abuse of older people Interagency Policy (2020) sets out the approach for preventing and responding to abuse of older people for NSW Government agencies.

They can help out with further service availability to Mrs Judy followed by discharge.