Published
We have to have a 3 hour class (video) every 3 or 5 years in Iowa. It is mandatory and required by the state. I am not sure about the other states, but I would imagine they all have similar requirements. This subject was also covered pretty thoroughly in nursing school as well. I went to nursing school 10 years ago and I am 34 years old.
Elder abuse was covered in my ADN program. I can't remember how much time was spent on it, but it was probably enough for a general understanding of recognising the problem. Hospital orientation also covered the subject in a general sense. For those who work with this population I would think more training/education would be needed.
I am 33. I did home health for 9 yrs and we had training on elderly abuse/neglect. Most states have a elderly abuse hotline. You may want to call the Dept of Human Services (they investigate abuse). Go to http://www.elderabusecenter.org.
Also, go to yahoo and type in "elderly abuse neglect report" - they have many links on the subject. Ive been a nurse for 13yrs and have seen many cases of abuse/neglect. Many families want to keep grandma/grandpa at home so that they can get their social security check as opposed to putting them in a nursing home. I had at least 2 cases of sexual abuse - where grandma had alzheimers or she couldnt really communicate with anyone. A family member (in both cases) was having sex with her. I have also seen a lot of neglect - pt is bedbound lying in feces/urine. One lady kept getting sores on her legs (didnt know why). One morning when the nurse showed up - she pulled the covers back to look at her legs. She found two mice in the bed with her - we assume her sores were mice bites. They looked like mice bites to her leg. Elderly abuse makes me furious. Its no different than abusing/neglecting a baby. :angryfire :angryfire
military girl
119 Posts
I posted this question in the Geriatrics section of the website, but no one responded, so I'm putting it here.
I am doing a nursing on elder abuse. Most nurses have not received any training on this abuse. What training/education did you receive on this subject.
Just for charting purposes, can you also please respond with your age and educational background/level.
Looking forward to your responses.