Elder Abuse Recognition & Reporting for LVNs
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this 1-hour course, the LVN will be able to:
- Define elder abuse and list at least four major categories of abuse (physical, emotional, financial, neglect, etc.).
- Identify common risk factors and warning signs of elder abuse in clinical and home-care settings.
- Differentiate between abuse, neglect, and self-neglect in older adults.
- Describe the LVN’s role as a mandated reporter, including when and how to report suspected elder abuse.
- Outline key steps to safely document and escalate concerns about potential elder abuse while protecting patient dignity.
Timed Course Outline (60 Minutes / 1.0 CE)
| Time | Content Area | Teaching Method |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 min | Introduction, course overview, definition of elder abuse. | Instructor introduction, brief lecture. |
| 5–15 min | Types of elder abuse (physical, emotional/psychological, sexual, financial, neglect, abandonment, self-neglect). Prevalence and impact on patients and families. |
Lecture with brief case examples. |
| 15–25 min | Risk factors for elder abuse (patient, caregiver, environmental, systemic). Warning signs and red flags LVNs may observe in practice. |
Lecture, scenario-based discussion prompts. |
| 25–35 min | Differentiating abuse, neglect, and self-neglect. Barriers to reporting (fear, retaliation, cultural beliefs, system barriers). |
Lecture, reflective questions. |
| 35–45 min | LVN as mandated reporter: ethical and legal responsibilities. When to report, what information to gather, and whom to contact (e.g., Adult Protective Services, facility chain of command). |
Lecture, step-by-step reporting framework. |
| 45–55 min | Documentation tips: objective vs. subjective notes, describing injuries, quoting patient statements, and protecting confidentiality. | Lecture, short documentation examples. |
| 55–60 min | Knowledge check (post-test), review of answers, and course evaluation instructions. | Post-test and wrap-up. |
Post-Test (10 Questions)
Passing score:
80% or higher (8 out of 10 correct).
Learners should complete this quiz independently after reviewing all course content.
- Elder abuse is best defined as:
- A. Any disagreement between an older adult and a caregiver.
- B. A single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, that causes harm or distress to an older adult.
- C. Only physical injury to an older adult caused by a family member.
- D. Emotional conflict between staff and an older adult.
- Which of the following is an example of financial
elder abuse?
- A. Unexplained bruises on both arms.
- B. Caregiver yelling at the patient in front of others.
- C. A family member pressuring the elder to sign blank checks or change a will.
- D. Poor hygiene due to lack of bathing assistance.
- A patient appears dehydrated, wears soiled clothing, and has pressure injuries that are not being treated. This is most consistent with:
- A. Physical abuse only.
- B. Neglect.
- C. Self-neglect only.
- D. Normal aging.
- Which of the following is a common risk factor
for elder abuse?
- A. Strong social support and resources.
- B. Caregiver stress and burnout.
- C. Financial stability and adequate income.
- D. Regular respite care for the caregiver.
- As an LVN, your primary responsibility when you suspect elder abuse is to:
- A. Confront the suspected abuser directly.
- B. Wait until you are 100% certain before doing anything.
- C. Report the suspicion according to mandated reporting laws and facility policy.
- D. Ask coworkers if they think it is really abuse.
- Which statement about mandated reporting is MOST accurate?
- A. Only the physician is responsible for reporting suspected abuse.
- B. LVNs are mandated reporters and must report when they have reasonable suspicion of abuse.
- C. Reporting is optional if the patient denies abuse.
- D. Reports should only be made after the family approves.
- When documenting suspected elder abuse, the LVN should:
- A. Use vague language to avoid upsetting anyone.
- B. Record only what the family members tell them.
- C. Document objective findings and quote the patient’s statements as closely as possible.
- D. Avoid documenting anything until the investigation is complete.
- Which of the following may be a warning sign of emotional or psychological abuse?
- A. The elder appears calm and engaged with staff.
- B. The elder avoids certain staff, appears fearful, or flinches when someone approaches.
- C. The elder requests a favorite snack.
- D. The elder refuses to participate in activities because they are tired.
- Self-neglect occurs when:
- A. A caregiver intentionally withholds food and medications.
- B. An older adult is unable or unwilling to meet their own basic needs, leading to risk of harm.
- C. A staff member refuses to help with hygiene.
- D. Family members argue about finances.
- The BEST first step when you have reasonable suspicion of elder abuse in your workplace is to:
- A. Follow your facility’s chain of command and mandatory reporting procedures immediately.
- B. Ignore it until you see it happen again.
- C. Post about it on social media.
- D. Call the news media to report the situation.
Post-Test Answer Key (For Provider Use)
Correct Answers:
- B
- C
- B
- B
- C
- B
- C
- B
- B
- A
Learners must score at least 8/10 (80%) to receive CE credit. Providers may allow a second attempt after remediation.
Bibliography / References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Elder Abuse Facts & Prevention Resources).
- National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA). Training and educational materials on elder mistreatment.
- State Adult Protective Services (APS) guidelines and reporting procedures (check your local jurisdiction).
- Facility policies and procedures on abuse, neglect, and incident reporting.
Note: When submitting to the Board, you can replace or expand these references with specific state guidelines, statutes, or facility-specific policies you use in practice.
Learner Course Evaluation – Elder Abuse Recognition & Reporting
This sample evaluation can be printed or connected to an online form. Modify fields to match your record-keeping system.