CPHSSWCE0435 - Identifying Elder Abuse and Neglect and Reporting Responsibilities
Course Description
According to the World Health Organization, elder abuse is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly aging populations. The global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than double, from 900 million in 2015 to about 2 billion in 2050.It is important for social workers working with this population to understand the risk factors the aging population faces for abuse and neglect. This beginner level training is to help clinicians recognize the risk factors older adults face as they age and become more dependent on others for care. This training will also help clinicians identify types of abuse, assess for signs and symptoms and understand the PA reporting responsibilities as a Mandated Reporter under Act 13 of 1997.
Target Level Audience: Beginner
Melissa Wombwell-Twersky, LCSW Bio
Melissa Wombwell-Twersky has been a Licensed Social Worker since 2004 and most recently received her Clinical Social Work License in February 2020. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from West Chester University in 1997 and received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Temple University in 2002. Melissa is certified as an Advanced Social Worker in Gerontology and was recently certified as an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker from the National Association of Social Workers where she has been a member for the past 23 years. The focus of her career has been as Geriatric Social Worker with an emphasis in hospice for the last 12 years. Melissa is also a therapist in a group clinical practice offering bereavement counseling program for children and families. Melissa is a co-facilitator for the Alzheimer’s Association Care Support Program. She also volunteers for MANNA, the Jewish Relief Agency and Dining for Women.
Course Outline
Timed Agenda
9:00 - 9:15am Welcome, Introductions
9:15 - 10:10am Identifying types of abuse and neglect Understanding risk factors for abuse and neglect
10:10 - 10:15am Break
10:15 - 10:55am Assessing for Signs and Symptoms of Abuse, Reporting Responsibilities
10:55 - 11:00am Break
11:00 - 12:00pm Review of the Elder Justice Act, The Older Adult Protective Services Act, Prevention Strategies, Video: Strengthening the Structure of Justice to Prevent Elder Abuse
12:00 - 12:15pm Question, Comments, Evaluation
Learner Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify the different types of elder abuse and neglect.
- Assess for risk factors for potential abuse and neglect.
- Identify the tenets of legislation passed to protect older adults and reporting responsibilities as Mandated Reporter through Act 13 of 1997.
When participants return to the workplace, they will be able to:
- Recognize different types of elder abuse and neglect.
- Assess for Elder abuse .
- Report potential abuse in line with their role as a Mandated Reporter.
- Apply prevention strategies where applicable