Training+Module+3

= __Training Module 3: Prevention & Reporting__ =

**__Introduction__**: While working for Mobile Meals, you are a mandated reporter - meaning if you suspect elderly abuse, you __must__ report it to the proper authorities. If you suspect elderly abuse, we ask that you call Mobile Meals immediately with any concerns or observations that you have encountered while doing your delivery routine. We will handle the notifications of the authorities and where appropriate, the families. We will also help you with the preparation of any documentation materials that may be required beginning with our standard Incident Report. In Module One, you learned that elderly abuse is frequently underreported. You can change this while working with Mobile Meals!

Abusers of older adults are both women and men. Family members are more often the abusers than any other group. For several years, data showed that __adult children were the most common abusers__ of family members; recent information indicates __spouses are the most common perpetrators__ when state data concerning elders and vulnerable adults is combined. The botton line is that elder __abuse is a family issue__. As far as the types of abuse are concerned, neglect is the most common type of abuse identified.
 * __Who are Potential Abusers?__**

__**Are there Penalties for Abusers?**__  Although there are variations across the country, in most states there are several laws that address criminal penalties for various types of elder abuse. Laws vary state to state. some states have increased penalties for those who victimize older adults. Increasingly across the country, law enforcement officers and prosecutors are trained on elder abuse and ways to use criminal and civil laws to bring abusers to justice.

Sherri Bevan Walsh  is a Summit County Prosecutor focusing on Elder Abuse and Prevention. View the link to learn more about Ms. Walsh's mission.

__**How do I Report Elder Abuse?**__ Each one of us has a responsibility to keep vulnerable elders safe from harm. The laws in most states require helping professions in the front line - doctors and home health providers - to report suspected abuse or neglect. These professionals are called mandated reporters. Under the laws of eight states, "any person" is required to report a suspicion or mistreatment.


 * Call police or 9-1-1 immediately if someone you know is in immediate, life-threatening danger. **

If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occured or is occuring, please tell someone. Relay your concerns to the local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman, police, or Mobile Meals, Inc. Volunteers should call the office immediately and speak with their supervisor.

__** Other ways to take action if you suspect Elder Abuse: **__ 1. If possible, talk to the senior citizen when he/she is away from his/her suspected abuser. He/she may be more likely to discuss instances of abuse more freely. 2. Keep detailed records of any signs of abuse; write the date on which you made observations. 3. Contact your county's Department of Jobs and Family Services by visiting the Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services County Directory. or calling Domestic/Community Elder Abuse: 800-635-3748,or Adult Protective Services at (937) 327-1748 or 1-800-516-3463. Volunteers and Drivers should program one or more of these phone numbers into their phones to be prepared for any situation involving abuse.

**__How Can I Stop Elder Abuse in my community?__** Knowing the warning signs of abuse is a first step toward protecting elders. Some specific tips:
 * __**Become a Community "Sentinal"**__ - Keep a watchful eye out for loved ones, friends, or neighbors who may be vulnerable.
 * __**Speak up if you have concerns**__ - That means even if you are not sure, you have the right to question.
 * __**Be involved.**__ - Volunteer with older adults in your community. Support initiatives to increase and strengthen adult protective services in your state.

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 121%;">**Audio Clip** <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">: Remember! Elder Abuse is often underreported! Listen to this short audio clip to learn about the problem of underrporting and Elder Abuse: Underreported Elder Abuse. Don't be afraid to speak up! Ohio law protects citizens who have reasonable cause to report suspected abuse. "**Immunity for Reporting"** means that any person who makes a report with reasonable cause to believe that an adult is suffering abuse, neglect or exploitation is immune from civil or criminal liability under Ohio law.

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">__** Summary **__: According to statistics, it's pretty clear that abusers tend to be family members. Talk with your clients about their families and learn who frequents the elderly person's home. The second you suspect abuse, be prepared to document the observation or instance in writing. Even if you are wrong in reporting what you think may be abuse, Ohio law protects you under "immunity for reporting." Don't be afraid to speak up, and don't be afraid to foster relationships with your clients! You can teach your elderly clients so much about how they can protect themselves. Now that you have completed these training modules, we hope that you have a better understanding of how serious elderly abuse is, and how important it is for Mobile Meals staff and employees to recognize and report it. Remember, you are often the only outside contact (other than family) that elderly clients have. This is your opportunity to not only provide meals, but to socialize and help protect potential elderly victims.

The final part of this training module includes viewing the resources page for additional information on elderly abuse and taking the assessment.

home Training Module 1 Training Module 2 Resources Assessment