Elder Abuse

It is estimated that more than one million older Americans are victims of mistreatment each year. Dependent older adults are often at risk for mistreatment by family members or staff at the institutions where they reside. Oral health care professionals are in a logical position to observe signs and symptoms of elder abuse, particularly when the head and neck are involved. Head and neck injuries are the most common form of physical abuse involving older adults. Bruises and welts occur most frequently, followed by broken prostheses, abrasions or lacerations, and fractured or avulsed teeth. The most common forms of physical neglect consist of failure to provide personal hygiene and medical and oral health care. Intervention by oral health educators should include identification of the mistreatment, detailed documentation in the patient record, and referral to social support services.74,75