Things to consider while investigating Caretaker Abuse:
bruises, cuts, broken bones, weight loss, malnourished, unkempt, poor hygiene, withdrawal from family and friends.
Definition of Caretaker: a person who is responsible for the care of or financial management for a vulnerable adult as a result of family relationship or has assumed responsibility for care of a vulnerable adult voluntarily, by contract, or by friendship; or who serves as a legally appointed guardian, limited guardian, or conservator.
oklahoma.gov | Definition of Caretaker
Definition of Abuse
Means causing or permitting the:
- infliction of physical pain, injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, unreasonable restraint or confinement, mental anguish, personal degradation; or
- deprivation of nutrition, clothing, shelter, health care, or other care or services without which serioiPhone-DX3J9Z9A0DXPus physical or mental injury is likely to occur to a vulnerable adult by a caretaker or other person providing services to a vulnerable adult.
oklahoma.gov | Definition of Abuse
Example of appropriate Findings narrative
Substantiated Caretaker Abuse:
Client resides in the home with her son, Theo Cosby. Client has had a stroke, and she requires assistance with all activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. She cannot transfer or ambulate without someone’s assistance. She is unable to communicate verbally, and she does not respond to questions. This is the sixth APS referral received during the past 12 months with allegations of caretaker abuse against Mr. Cosby. Previous referrals were unsubstantiated due to insufficient evidence of abuse.
During the home visit on 04/17/23, APS specialist observed a purple bruise on client’s chest that was approximately 11 x 3-1/2 cm as well as a light greenish yellow bruise on the right side of her throat that was approximately 4 x 3 cm. She had a light purple bruise on her right cheek. Mr. Cosby was unable to explain how client got the bruises. He denies hitting client. He is the only person other than home health who has access to client.
According to the home health nurse, client did not have any bruising when she was in the home on 04/10/23. Client does not take any medication that could cause or contribute to bruising. Caretaker abuse was substantiated as the area of client’s chest that was bruised was a very unusual place for someone to get an accidental bruise, and her son was unable to explain how she obtained it.
Mr. Cosby agreed to nursing home placement for client at this time, and arrangements were made for her to be admitted to ABC Nursing Center.
Unsubstantiated Caretaker Abuse:
The client, age 55, resides with her husband. She is a fall risk and spends most of the time in a wheelchair. She can transfer on her own and is safe during the day. Her husband works during the day. The client has a lifeline and a cell phone. She can perform some activities of daily living and all of her instrumental activities of daily living. A home health aide assists her with bathing three times a week, and a nurse visits with her once a week.
When the aide came to help AV with her bath on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., AV had a black eye on her left side. The aide inquired about the black eye, and AV told her when she was transferring, she slipped and hit her face on the bedside table. She told the aide the incident happened yesterday morning. AV called her husband after the incident occurred and he came right home from work and took her to the ER for an exam. The exam did not show any damage other than a bruise.
The allegations of caretaker abuse are unsubstantiated. AV can meet many of her needs without any help, and the rest with the assistance of her husband and home health. She has a lifeline and a cell phone with her when she home alone. She usually does not have any problems but slipped while transferring and hit the left side of her face on the night table. She used her cell phone to call her husband. He came right home and took her to the ER for an exam.
APS specialist verified the ER visit with the ER doctor. She felt the description of the fall made sense regarding the injury. The client was aware and explained everything. Her husband was very attentive and answered every question asked of him. Both the home health aide and nurse have never suspicioned any problems between the AV and her husband, and this is first time since they have been going into the home there was an accident. AP stated they have made sure there were safety nets in place while he is at work in case there was an accident. This is the first time there has been an accident, and the safety net did work.
