Your investigation, documentation, and evidence collection can help prosecute someone who is harming or taking advantage of a vulnerable older adult. Use the information below to collect specific evidence and build relationships to support your investigation.
! If the situation is suspicious for one type of abuse consider ALL types of abuse
What to Document in Suspected Cases of Physical Abuse
! Photograph and write description(s) of any injuries *critically important*
- The appearance of injuries changes over time and may look different to a detective later
- Medical providers may neglect to take photos
- See Photography Tips
! Take victim’s and witness accounts of how the victim was injured
- Can the injuries be satisfactorily explained? Do the explanations make sense?
- DO interview victims with memory problems; abuse memories are often fresh and accurate
- See Recognizing Memory Loss & Emotional Events Research
- See Interviewing Older Adults
! List or photograph medications
What to Document in Suspected Cases of Financial Abuse
! Make lists of the following things:
- Medications
- Names and contact information of medical providers
- Vision, cognitive and/or mobility impairments
- Function
- Names of caregiver(s)
! Collect:
- Power of attorney (POA) documents for finances
- Any other relevant financial documents available on-scene
What to Document in Suspected Sexual Abuse Cases
! Photograph and write description(s) of any injuries *critically important*
- The appearance of injuries changes over time and may look different to a detective later
- Medical providers may neglect to take photos
- See Photography Tips
! Take victim’s and witness accounts of how the victim was injured
- Can the injuries be satisfactorily explained? Do the explanations make sense?
- DO interview victims with memory problems; abuse memories are often fresh and accurate
- See Recognizing Memory Loss & Emotional Events Research
- See Interviewing Older Adults
! List or photograph medications
! List everyone who had access to the victim
! Arrange an immediate Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) exam
! Cross report to Ombudsman program
What to Document in Cases of Suspected Abuse by Neglect
! Take photos of the environment:
- Living quarters of the victim
- Refrigerator contents
- Bedroom, including sheets
- Incontinence supplies
- Medications
- Medical supplies, including walking aids or wheelchairs
- See Photography Tips
! Take photos of physical neglect, including evidence of lack of hygiene:
- Nails
- Clothes
- Body filth
- Ulcers and open sores on body
- See Documenting Bed Sores
! Make lists of the following items:
- Medications
- Names and contact information of medical providers
- Vision, cognitive and/or mobility impairments
- Function
- Names of caregiver(s)
! Collect:
- Power of attorney (POA) documents for healthcare and finances
Working with Other Professionals to Build a Case
! Consider speaking with a medical doctor for an opinion on the victim’s bruising patterns
- If possible, consult with a doctor who is knowledgeable about elder abuse
! Request medical records that may reveal important information about the victim’s past function and abilities
- Specifically ask for the following records:
- medical photos
- descriptions and sizes of wounds
- victim’s statements about what happened
- their own opinion about the cause (if possible)
! Seek a capacity evaluation by a physician or psychologist if the decision-making capacity of the victim is a question
- Especially important for cases involving financial abuse or neglect
HIPAA & Law Enforcement Requests
If healthcare professionals express reluctance to share medical information due to HIPAA, refer them to: