If caregiver abuse is suspected, a caregiver assessment is a critical immediate tool. This is a situation where the GCM must contact Adult Protective Services, following their own state’s laws. In most states you are a mandated reporter .Elder abuse can be triggered by caregiver stress and depression in some situations. Depression that reaches a clinical level in a caregiver can be predictive of elder abuse.
What are red flags for caregiver abuse that should be picked up in a psychosocial assessment in the beginning of the case and should trigger a caregiver assessment immediately?
The caregiver:
ØFears that he/she will become violent
ØSuffers from low self esteem
ØPerceives that she is not receiving
Adequate help or support from others
ØViews care giving as a burden
ØExperiences emotional and mental burnout
Depression or anxiety
ØFeels “caught in the middle” by
providing care to children and elderly
Family members at the same time
ØHas “old anger” toward the care
receiver that can be traced back to
their relationship in the past