You are viewing social media at home when you notice one of your coworker?s post on Facebook. The post is co

You are viewing social media at home when you notice one of your coworker’s post on Facebook. The post is complaining about an elderly patient on your unit at work. The post reveals that the patient has Alzheimer’s disease and is “crazy” and your coworker states “I can’t wait until she is transferred out of here and back to Comfort Care Homes. After this shift, you will find me at the bar, line them up, I will need it.” Additionally, the coworker’s full name, occupation, and employer are listed on their “about me” page.

Answer the following question:

1. What would you do regarding this posting? Explain clearly what you would do and why.

Needed a response:  What types of elder abuse did you notice in the scenario? (give examples and explain)
The first type of elder abuse I noticed in this scenario psychological & emotional abuse. These are intentional acts that inflict mental pain, fear, or distress on an elder. In this scenario, the son threatens his dad by saying, “Stop being so stubborn. I need you to give me access to your bank accounts. You’re going to die alone unless you start cooperating.” Clearly his father is upset by this, because the nurse noticed tears in his eyes.
The second type of elder abuse I noticed is financial abuse It is the illegal, unauthorized, or improper use of an older individual’s resources by someone in a trusting relationship with that individual. In this scenario, the elderly man has denied his son access to his bank account. This is evident by the son’s comment, “Stop being so stubborn. I need you to give me access to your bank accounts.’’

2. What signs, (in the scenario) if any suggest that the nurse should ask some follow up questions?
The signs that suggest the nurse should ask some follow-up questions are, the abrupt way the son left the room as the nurse entered the room and the tears in his eyes.

3. As a nurse in this scenario what is your next action?

As a nurse I would notify the physician first, then I would make my supervisor aware.

4. How can older adults protect themselves from ever becoming victims of abuse or mistreatment?

To help older people protect themselves from abuse or mistreatment, we must educate them and address the factors that put them at risk.