Filters

The roles and responsibilities of members of an enhanced elder abuse multidisciplinary team (E-MDT) may vary depending on the specific structure and goals of the team. Generally, each member is expected to contribute cases to review, their unique expertise, and work collaboratively with other members to address elder abuse cases. Some common roles and responsibilities of E-MDT members include:

  • Adult Protective Services (APS) Workers: These professionals may be responsible for investigating and assessing reports of elder abuse, providing protective services to victims, and coordinating with other E-MDT members to ensure the safety and well-being of the older person.
    Adult Protective Services on E-MDTs
  • Law Enforcement: Police Officers and detectives may investigate allegations of elder abuse and work with other E-MDT members to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. They also may be able to provide a history of police involvement. 
  • Prosecutors: These legal professionals may review elder abuse cases and determine if criminal charges should be filed against the perpetrators. They may also work with other E-MDT members to ensure that the older person receives the support and protection they need throughout the legal process.
    The role of local prosecutors
  • Medical Professionals: Physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals may provide medical evaluations and treatment to victims of elder abuse. They may also work with other E-MDT members to identify signs of abuse and coordinate care for the older person.
  • Mental Health Professionals: Geriatric psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals may provide counseling and support services to the older person, as well as to family members and caregivers whom the abuse may impact. 
    Role and Responsibilities of Geriatric Psychiatrists or Geropsychiatrists
  • Legal Professionals: Civil attorneys may provide legal advice and representation to older persons, particularly in cases where there is a desire to seek protective orders or pursue civil remedies.
    The role of civil attorneys
  • Forensic Accountant: These professionals provide guidance on financial exploitation cases, including the specific documents needed to develop the case; determining an appropriate timespan for the documents to be collected or subpoenaed; and discerning elements of exploitation as each case is presented, pointing these elements out to the team during the case discussion.
    The role of forensic accountants
  • Victim Advocates: These professionals may work with the older person to provide emotional support, connect them with resources and services, and help them navigate the criminal justice system.

Overall, the roles and responsibilities of E-MDT members are to work collaboratively and use their unique expertise to provide a coordinated and effective response to elder abuse cases, ensuring that victims are protected and perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.