Written Assignment: Mollie's Story

Elder Mistreatment Written Assignment: Mollie’s Story
Mollie is the patient in our case study. Mollie lives with her daughter and son in law, both in their 70’s. A home health aide assists Mollie five days a week for three hours each day. At age 94, Mollie is an older adult, considered to be part of a vulnerable population, at risk for hearing, visual and mobility deficits. This at risk population can experience changes in cognitive or physical status making the activities of daily living difficult to perform (Meiner, 2011). As people like Mollie age, gradually becoming less able to function independently, their grown children, potential caregivers, may be preoccupied with the demands of their own lives and not prepared to care for an older

At admission, Mollie’s main complaint was right hip pain. She was not oriented to person, place or time, responding with “I don’t know” to questions asked. While the emergency department nurse completed a physical assessment, Molly’s hospital record was retrieved. Molly was discharged from the hospital two weeks ago, having been admitted for dehydration. Her health history was significant for hypertension and diabetes. Her primary care provider and home health care information were included in Mollie’s hospital record, as was her daughter’s contact information. The emergency department performed an x ray to evaluate Mollie’s right hip pain and there was no evidence of a fracture. Per MD order, labs and samples were collected and processed: CBC-diff, CRP, hyperal, blood culture, prealbumin level and urinalysis. Molly was evaluated for sexual assault and the appropriate samples were gathered. The forensic nurse gently scraped material from underneath Mollie’s fingernails. Bruises were measured and age of each bruise was estimated by

There was probable evidence that Mollie’s caretaker withdrew care without making alternative arrangements (Fulmer, 2008). The findings indicate that Molly remained alone for many hours on end, without food or water and without a method of contacting anyone for assistance. Mollie’s hypertension and diabetes were not monitored. Medications were not administered.
As the EAI team was discussing Molly’s case, one of the ED Residents made a few telephone calls. Molly’s PCP reported that during her last visit about 2 weeks ago, Mollie was alert and able to respond to questions appropriately. He confirmed that Mollie’s daughter and son in law have experienced psychiatric problems, adding that the son in law has expressed anger regarding Mollie’s living arrangements. The home health care agency was contacted. The RN and aide both report they have never met the son in law and have had very limited contact with Mollie’s daughter. When contacted by telephone, the daughter provided no explanation for Mollie’s extensive bruises noted on admission to the hospital. The daughter stated that Mollie did not fall, but in fact lowered herself to the floor in an effort to draw