Media Releases Economic and social factors seen as contributing factors to elderly abandonment The American College of Emergency Physicians' surveys indicate that the abandoned elderly patient is likely to be female, age 75-85 and suffering from weakness, dementia or change in mental status.
Emergency departments are the safety net for social as well as medical emergencies.
Often times economic resources may be exhausted and family members do not know how to access the necessary care or assistance in any other way than through the emergency department. The emergency department is always open and no one is turned away. In the case of elder abandonment, a medical evaluation is done. If the patient is found to be medically stable, but needs social assistance or placement in an appropriate healthcare setting other than a hospital, the social services department is contacted. Sometimes these patients may require hospitalization while awaiting placement in a term health care facility.