title: [Elder abuse: practice issues for physicians].
abstract: Elder abuse is frequent (from 4 to 6% of adults aged 65 + according to WHO). It can take various forms: psychological, financial, violation of rights, neglect and physical. Due to demographic changes, it is expected that the number of cases will increase over coming years. Scientific data show the importance of a systemic analysis of elder abuse situations in order to avoid the simplistic thinking of the "horrible abuser" and the "poor victim". A multidisciplinary team, including a physician (a general practitioner, or a specialist), is necessary. Physicians can play a role in the prevention, detection and follow up of such cases. In order to detect elder abuse, active and attentive listening is mandatory. When a possibility exists that the older adult is abused, the suspicion should be documented (per example, by using the EASI tool), in order to implement an adequate follow-up. In the French part of Belgium, specialised services can be involved: Respect Seniors (www.respectseniors.be) in Wallonia and the SEPAM d'Infor-Homes in Brussels.
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Berg
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Beaulieu
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Oudewater
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Langhendries
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Giet
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004552:Elder Abuse / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000628:therapy; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D019221:Mandatory Reporting; D010819:Physician's Role; D015995:Prevalence