Case Analysis: Elder Abuse Recognition, Reporting, and Legal Duty

This case analysis focuses on a scenario involving Henry, a legally blind 52-year-old man, who may be a victim of abuse. Cheryl, his home health aid, notices suspicious signs such as bruises, changes in Henry's financial condition, and verbal abuse from his son. The analysis identifies potential physical abuse, exploitation, and verbal abuse, highlighting the legal definitions and indicators of each. It emphasizes Cheryl's duty to report suspected domestic violence and elder abuse under Canadian law, specifically referencing the Criminal Code of Canada and the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008. The analysis concludes with the importance of Cheryl reporting the abuse within 24 hours to protect Henry and ensure he receives the necessary support and protection. Desklib provides access to a wealth of resources, including similar case studies and solved assignments, to aid students in their academic pursuits.

Running head: CASE ANALYSIS
Case Analysis
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1CASE ANALYSIS
Answer 1
Abuse is the ill-treatment or intentional harm caused to a person by another. Abuse is
an act of treating people with violence on a regular or repeated basis. It can be considered
from the facts of the case that Henry was subjected to physical abuse, exploitation, verbal
abuse by his son. These abuse can be suspected by the incidents happened before Cheryl and
the injuries suffered by Henry in the absence of Cheryl.
Answer 2
Physical abuse is an act of assault or a threat of assault which could cause a physical
harm to a person. Physical abuse can be identified from an odd bruise, repeated injuries or
unexplained pain to the victim. Exploitation refers to taking advantage of the disability of a
person to manipulate for personal benefit. To detect an exploitation of a person, the changes
in the financial budget, frequent unexplained presence of a people or unsound statement form
a person should be considered (Hoover & Polson, 2014). It is the intention to do something
that is not in the best interest of the individual. Whereas, demeaning language, yelling or
illicit verbal depiction of disability is considered as verbal abuse.
Answer 3
Cheryl identified some bruises on the upper arms of Henry which was unreasonable
and sudden that can lead to the fact that the son of henry used to physically abuse him. It was
clearly evident that Henry was subject to verbal abuse, as his son yelled at him and called him
a ‘blind idiot’. The sudden change in the financial condition of Henry and the meaningless
statements he made to Cheryl made it to believe that Henry was exploited (What is Family
Violence, 2018).

2CASE ANALYSIS
Answer 4
The facts of the case itself proves that Henry was exposed to domestic violence.
Domestic violence is the aggressive or violent behaviour committed by a person to another
person within the household. Elder abuse is a form of domestic violence which is a crime. It
includes physical, financial, mental or sexual harm to an older adult in a family (Victims of
Domestic Violence, 2018). Neglect is also a part of domestic abuse where a person fails to
provide necessary care for adult. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, this factors are
considered as a crime.
Answer 5
Cheryl, as a witness and home health aid worker, is obligated to report was she has
suspected and evidenced. Such incidents should be recorded in the form of writing in an exact
language as the incidents happened and must be reported within 24 hours. Hotline is created
by Ministry of Community and Social Services, where such incidents should be reported.
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services has provides support and services
under the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with
Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008.
Answer 6
Cheryl must report the abuse within 24 hours to avoid the repetition of such incidents
to Henry. As Henry id disabled, it is the duty of Cheryl to help him overcome the situation
and inform him about the rights and protection he is entitled to in this situation.

3CASE ANALYSIS
References:
Hoover, R. M., & Polson, M. (2014). Detecting elder abuse and neglect: assessment and
intervention. American family physician, 89(6).
Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental
Disabilities Act, 2008
Victims of Domestic Violence. (2018). Retrieved from
https://www.med.uottawa.ca/sim/data/Vul_Violence_e.htm
What is Family Violence. (2018). Retrieved from
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-
violence/family-violence.html