Summary
Elder abuse is an under-recognised cause of morbidity in the elderly. The frail elderly with multiple physical and psychiatric problems living with a relative who may also have a physical or psychiatric problem are particularly at risk. Although increased awareness of the problem and a high index of suspicion are necessary factors to diagnose the condition, clinical pointers towards diagnosis are available. Treatment for both victim and “carer” should be on the basis of multi-disciplinary assessment, and may result in admission of the elderly patient to an extended-care facility.
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O’Neill, D., McCormack, P., Walsh, J.B. et al. Elder abuse. I.J.M.S. 159, 48–49 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02937248
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02937248