Practice Recommendations

1.0 Assessment

Recommendations

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1.1

Establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with older adults, and families as appropriate, when discussing issues of abuse and neglect.

IV

1.2

Ensure privacy and confidentiality when discussing issues of abuse and neglect unless legal obligations require disclosure of information.

V

1.3

Be alert for risk factors and signs of abuse and neglect during assessments and encounters with the older adult.

V

1.4

Carry out a detailed assessment in collaboration with the older adult, interprofessional team, and family, as appropriate, when abuse or neglect is alleged or suspected.

V

1.5

Identify the rights, priorities, needs and preferences of the older adult with regard to lifestyle and care decisions before determining interventions and supports.

IV

2.0 Planning

2.1

Collect information and resources needed to respond appropriately to alleged or suspected abuse and neglect in ways that are compatible with the law, organizational policies and procedures, and professional practice standards.

V

2.2

Collaborate with the older adult, family and interprofessional team, as appropriate, to develop an individualized plan of care to prevent or address harm.

IV

3.0 Implementation

3.1

Respond to alleged or suspected abuse and neglect according to legal requirements and organizational policies or procedures.

V

3.2

Implement an individualized plan of care that incorporates multiple strategies to prevent or address harm, including

• education and support for older adults and family members,
• interventions and supports for those who abuse or neglect,
• providing resources/referrals, and
• development of a safety plan.

IV – V

4.0 Evaluation

4.1

Collaborate with the older adult, family and interprofessional team, as appropriate, to evaluate and revise the plan of care, recognizing that some instances of abuse and neglect will not resolve easily.

V