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Course Title:  Recognizing and Reporting Elder Abuse presented by Mary Ann Wharton, PT, MS, Geriatric SIG Chair

Course Description:
It is estimated that 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ experience some form of elder abuse. For every case that is detected or reported, it is estimated that approximately 23 cases remain hidden. As the older population in the United States grows, there will be an expanded population potentially at risk for abuse and violence. These individuals, especially those in the old/old age group 85+ are at increased risk for frailty and dependence in activities of daily living and will increasingly need physical therapy services. PTs and PTAs will see many of these individuals in their daily practice, regardless of the setting of practice. It is therefore important that PTs and PTAs recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse. This webinar will focus on identifying the warning signs and consequences of elder abuse and summarize reporting requirements in Pennsylvania.

Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Value the importance of recognizing signs of elder abuse
2. Recognize risk factors for becoming a victim of elder abuse
3. Recognize physical, behavioral, psychological, and emotional indicators of the various types of elder abuse
4.  Recognize both victim and perpetrator characteristics
5. List potential criminal penalties for elder abusers
6. Understand elder abuse reporting requirements in Pennsylvania

More About the Speaker:
Mary Ann Wharton, PT, MS is Adjunct Faculty in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at the Community College of Allegheny County, Boyce Campus, Pittsburgh, PA and Faculty for University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency Program. She is a physical therapy graduate of Ithaca College, and received a Master of Science degree in Leadership, with an emphasis in Geriatric Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh. She served on the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association’s Ethics Committee for 26 years and as Chair for 24 years, with her term ending in January, 2019. She currently serves as Chair of PPTA’s Geriatric Special Interest Group and as a public liaison for the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy’s Cognitive and Mental Health SIG. 

Ms. Wharton has been an invited speaker on topics in ethics and legal issues for the APTA’s Ethics and Judicial Committee, at APTA Combined Sections meetings, and at PPTA, District and SIG meetings. She is the author of three book chapters addressing ethical issues in physical therapy. Her most recent publications include the chapter, “Ethical Issues in the Rehabilitation of Geriatric Patients” in Rehabilitation Ethics for Interprofessional Practice, and a self-study monograph, “End of Life Ethics” that is currently published on the APTA Learning Center. She has also published over 40 articles on ethics in various publications, including the PPTA Newsletter, GeriNotes, and Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation.

She is also the author of a book chapter, “Environmental Design: Accommodating Sensory Changes in the Older Adult” in Guccione et al., Geriatric Physical Therapy, 3^rd edition, and has presented lectures on geriatric topics at conferences sponsored by APTA, PPTA, and other professional groups. 

Contact Hour(s): approved for .5 general and .5 evaluative contact hours

Register for this webinar today!