THE VALUE OF A SOCIAL WORKER WITHIN A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT TEAM TO COMBAT ELDER MISTREATMENT

An Emergency Department visit provides an opportunity to detect elder mistreatment, but medical providers rarely know appropriate next steps after identifying it. The Vulnerable Elder Protection Team (VEPT) is a first-of-its kind ED-based, multi-disciplinary team created to assist ED providers in optimizing assessment and care for potential victims. This team includes a full-time social worker whose expertise has had a significant impact. During the first nine months, the VEPT social worker participated in the care of 64 patients, of which 39 were determined to be victims of mistreatment. Among mistreatment victims, 21% were discharged to an elder abuse shelter, 36% were discharged with a change in their housing situation, and 23% were discharged with additional home services. She led coordination with Adult Protective Services and other community agencies, transfer to elder abuse shelters, work with police agencies, reporting facilities for health department investigation, and collaboration with hospital geriatricians and ethics.