Audience: This course is designed for all private investigators requiring continuing education credits.

Designation of Credit: PI Leadership Academy designates this continuing education activity for two (2) contact hours.

Introduction:

This training course is designed to provide the investigator with a better understanding of elder abuse and how nursing home abuse investigations are conducted.  We share the best techniques used while conducting nursing home abuse investigations.

Introduction (5 minutes) Welcome and introductions

  1. Overview of the course objectives and goals
  2. Importance of nursing home abuse investigations in protecting senior citizens

Understanding Elder Abuse (20 minutes) 

  1. Definition of elder abuse
  2. Types of elder abuse
  3. Physical abuse
  4. Emotional abuse
  5. Sexual abuse
  6. Financial exploitation
  7. Neglect
  8. Prevalence and impact of elder abuse in nursing homes
  9. Factors contributing to nursing home abuse
  10. Signs and symptoms of nursing home abuse

III. Legal Framework and Reporting Obligations (15 minutes) 

  1. Federal and state laws pertaining to nursing home abuse
  2. Mandatory reporting requirements
  3. Confidentiality and legal protection for victims and reporters
  4. Potential legal consequences for nursing homes and staff involved in abuse

Conducting Nursing Home Abuse Investigations (50 minutes)

A. Initial assessment and risk evaluation

  1. Collecting and preserving evidence
  2. Documenting injuries or signs of abuse
  3. Interviewing victims, witnesses, and staff
  4. Reviewing medical records and financial documents
  5. Working with multidisciplinary teams
  6. Collaboration with law enforcement, social workers, and medical professionals
  7. Coordinating with Adult Protective Services (APS)

Case study analysis: successful nursing home abuse investigations

  1. Prevention and Intervention Strategies (20 minutes)
  2. Educating nursing home staff and residents on elder abuse prevention
  3. Encouraging a culture of reporting and addressing abuse
  4. Implementing effective screening and background checks for staff
  5. Developing and implementing policies and procedures to prevent and respond to abuse

Conclusion and Evaluation (10 minutes) 

  1. Review of key course takeaways
  2. Open discussion and Q&A session
  3. Course evaluation and feedback
  4. Additional resources and support for ongoing education in nursing home abuse investigationsUpon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to do the following:
    1. Identify the signs and symptoms of elder abuse
    2. Define the difference between neglect and abuse
    3. Discuss factors that contribute to elder abuse by caregivers
    4. Describe factors contributing to institutional abuse of elders
    5. Understand the documents a nursing home should file and where those are found (and may not have filed) to report incidents of abuse
    6. Gain the ability to prepare and identify a nursing home abuse investigation action plan
    7. Understand which techniques are most effective in the different aspects of a nursing home abuse investigation

Signs and Symptoms of Elder Abuse (25 minutes) 

  1. Introduction to warning signs
  2. Impact of cognitive impairment on vulnerability to abuse
  3. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
  4. Financial abuse risks
  5. Physical intimidation and neglect by family members
  6. Common warning signs by abuse type
  7. Physical abuse a. Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, fractures, or burns
  8. Injuries in various stages of healing
  9. Inconsistent explanations for injuries
  10. Emotional abuse
  11. Sudden changes in behavior or mood
    1. Fear, anxiety, or depression
    2. Withdrawal from social interactions or activities
    3. Sexual abuse a. Bruises or injuries in the genital or breast areas
    4. Unexplained sexually transmitted infections
    5. Torn or bloodied undergarments
    6. Financial exploitation
    7. Unusual or unexplained bank account activity
    8. Changes in legal documents, such as wills or powers of attorney
    9. Missing personal items or valuables
    10. Neglect
    11. Poor hygiene, dirty clothing, or untreated bedsores
    12. Malnutrition or dehydration
    13. Unsafe living conditions, such as inadequate heating or lighting
    14. Importance of observing and documenting signs and symptoms
    15. Exercise: Identifying and interpreting signs of elder abuse in case scenarios

Effective Communication and Interview Techniques (20 minutes)

  1. Building rapport and trust with elderly victims
  2. Strategies for interviewing victims with cognitive impairments
  3. Engaging with family members and nursing home staff
  4. Maintaining confidentiality and respecting privacy during interviews
  5. Documenting statements and observations for investigation purposes

VIII. Conclusion and Next Steps (5 minutes) 

  1. Recap of key course takeaways
  2. Open discussion and Q&A session
  3. Distribution of additional resources and support materials

Challenges in Nursing Home Abuse Investigations (20 minutes)

  1. Introduction to common obstacles and challenges
  2. Staff coverup
  3. Identifying signs of a coverup
  4. Overcoming staff resistance and gathering evidence
  5. Strategies for building rapport with whistleblowers and honest staff members
  6. Staff lies
  7. Common scenarios where staff may lie, such as patient falls
  8. Techniques for detecting deception in staff statements
  9. Gathering and assessing additional evidence to corroborate or refute staff claims D. Incident reporting and compliance
  10. Medicare reporting requirements
  11. Two-hour reporting for serious bodily injury b. 24-hour reporting for cases without serious bodily injury
  12. Importance of timely and accurate incident reports
  13. Investigating incidents with delayed or inaccurate reporting
  14. Consequences for nursing homes and staff failing to comply with reporting requirements

Case Studies: Overcoming Challenges in Nursing Home Abuse Investigations  (20 minutes) 

  1. Review of real-life case studies illustrating challenges faced by investigators
  2. Group discussion on strategies and techniques used to address obstacles
  3. Identifying key lessons and takeaways for successful investigations

Ongoing Education and Networking Opportunities (10 minutes)

  1. Staying informed about updates in nursing home abuse laws and regulations
  2. Participation in professional organizations and conferences
  3. Networking with other investigators and professionals in elder care
  4. Continuing education courses and certifications

Conclusion and Final Evaluation (10 minutes) 

  1. Recap of course objectives and key takeaways
  2. Open discussion and Q&A session
  3. Course evaluation and feedback

Distribution of completion certificates and contact information for further support