Checklist on Questions to Ask

The first question to ask in any abuse situation  – Is this an emergency?  If yes, Call  911.  For other situations, it is useful to go through the ABUSER checklist:

• Acknowledge? –  Be aware of changes in behaviour that cause concern
• Barriers? – Are there barriers such as lack of mobility, dependency for daily living tasks, mental illness, disability.
• Urgency? – Assess immediate needs and potential risk of physical harm.
• Screen? – Assess person’s physical, emotional and mental capacity to help themselves.
• Empower? – Inform person of their rights, resources and offer assistance
• Refer? – Offer support or consultation from other resources.

You should refer to our Reference Guide below for more information on:

• types of elder abuse and neglect;
• indicators of abuse and/or neglect;
• interview strategy;
• possible interventions;
• educating the victim about support information;
• developing a possible safety plan; and,
• phone numbers for consultation and coordination of a response/referral.

 

From the original Elder Abuse Assessment and Intervention Reference Guide,  for service providers assisting older adults, developed by the Hamilton Council Against Abuse of Older Persons.  For a pdf version of this guide for BC, click on this link: Elder-Abuse-Assessment-and-Intervention-Reference-Guide-edited