What is the Elder Abuse Suspicion Index?

Published on February 9, 2022

Elder abuse is a serious problem in the United States. It is likely to increase with the rise in the elderly population over the next ten years. There are numerous efforts to combat elder abuse as it becomes more evident in our society including the Elder Abuse Suspicion Index or EASI.

The Elder Abuse Suspicion Index is a tool used to identify and report elder abuse. The EASI is specifically designed for medical professionals as a standardized method of identifying potential cases of elder abuse.

The EASI focuses on medical professionals as they are regularly in contact with elderly patients and are often legally mandated reporters of elderly abuse under state laws.

The 6 Questions of the EASI

The EASI is composed of six questions meant to assist medical professionals in determining whether a suspicious case should be reported to the authorities.

These questions are as follows:

1. Have you relied on people for any of the following: bathing, dressing, shopping, banking, or meals?

2. Has anyone prevented you from getting food, clothes, medication, glasses, hearing aids, or medical care, or from being with people you wanted to be with?

3. Have you been upset because someone talked to you in a way that made you feel shamed or threatened?

4. Has anyone tried to force you to sign papers or to use your money against your will?

5. Has anyone made you afraid, touched you in ways that you did not want, or hurt you physically?

6. [For the medical professional]: Did you notice any of the following in the last 12 months: poor eye contact, withdrawn nature, malnourishment, hygiene issues, cuts, bruises, inappropriate clothing, or medication compliance issues?

A positive response to any of these questions should result in a follow-up inquiry on the patient’s behalf.

Types of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can take several forms, only one of which is physical. This can make identifying elder abuse more difficult to identify.

The seven recognized types of elder abuse:

Physical abuse;

Sexual abuse;

Emotional or psychological abuse;

Abandonment;

Financial abuse and exploitation;

Neglect;

Self-neglect.

A victim of elder abuse may suffer from one or multiple types of abuse. In many cases, vulnerable seniors are abused by the caregivers and family members whom they live with or depend on for physical or financial assistance.

Elder abuse often goes unreported out of fear to report the abuser or lack of support resources. It is estimated that only one in every twenty-four cases of elder abuse is reported to authorities.

Contact a Phoenix Elder Abuse Attorney for More Information

If you suspect someone you love is suffering elder abuse, stay involved in the situation and intervene quickly should abuse become evident. The attorneys at Knapp & Roberts can help you determine any legal course of action to take on behalf of your loved one.

Contact Knapp & Roberts online today to schedule a free consultation at your convenience.