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Abstract: 

This research review summarizes the major findings and conclusions of “Elder Physical Abuse” by Lisa M. Young (30 Clinics in Geriatric Med. 761) and “Removing the Menacing Specter of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes Through Video Surveillance” by Katherine Anne Meier (50 Gonz. Law Rev. 29). “Elder Physical Abuse” presents a concise summary of the current state of knowledge regarding the physical abuse of elders. Additionally, the author, a family and geriatric physician in southern California, presents four case studies of patients who have experienced various types of physical abuse. This combination of summary and case study makes the article an excellent teaching tool for health-care professionals learning how to identify and respond to the physical abuse of an elder. “Removing ...” analyzes the balance of patient protection versus the right to privacy within the context of private video surveillance of family members in nursing homes and explores a host of legal pitfalls raised by the use of vidoe surveillance to detect abuse—and the consequences of the failure to monitor, as well.

Keywords: types of physical abuse; presenting symptoms; gross underreporting of elder physical abuse; video surveillance; granny cam; right to privacy

Affiliations:  1: New Mexico Supreme Court.