Podiatric medical considerations in dealing with elder abuse

Abstract

The geriatric population is expanding at a rapid rate. With greater numbers of elderly patient visits to the podiatric medical office, the likelihood of difficult psychosocial problems increases. Elder abuse is potentially a serious health risk and the need for the podiatric physician to identify and report elder abuse is a professional and, in many cases, a legal responsibility. The authors identify the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and methods to address this difficult and perplexing problem.