Brief Abuse Screen for the Elderly (BASE)

The Brief Abuse Screen for the Elderly (BASE) is a brief, selfreport screening tool designed to detect abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. It was developed using the World Health Organizations (WHO) Guidelines on Elder Abuse and Neglect. The BASE consists of six items that assess the physical, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse of older adults. It is designed to be administered by a healthcare provider in a facetoface interview with the patient. The BASE is a validated screening tool that has been found to be reliable and valid in detecting elder abuse and neglect. It is also easy to use and can be completed in less than five minutes. The BASE is an important tool for healthcare providers to use in identifying elder abuse and neglect in their patients. It can also be used to help inform decisions about interventions and referrals for older adults who may be at risk for abuse and neglect.
1. Is the client an older person or caregiver? Yes___ No___
2. Is the client a caregiver of an older person? Yes___ No___
3. Do you suspect abuse? (see also #4 and #5) Yes___ No___
i) By caregiver (comments)____________________________
1 2 3 4 5
1=no; not at all‚ 2= only slightly doubtful‚ 3=possibly; probably somewhat‚ 4= yes; quite likely‚ 5= definitely
ii) By care receiver or other (comments)___________________
1=no; not at all‚ 2= only slightly doubtful‚ 3=possibly; probably somewhat‚ 4= yes; quite likely‚ 5= definitely
4. If any answer for #3 except “no‚ not at all‚” indicate what kind(s) of abuse(s) is (are) suspected.
a) physical‚ b) psychosocial‚ c) financial‚ d) neglect (includes passive and active)‚ e) sexual
5. If abuse is suspected‚ about how soon do you estimate that intervention is needed?
1= immediately‚ 2= within 24 hrs‚ 3=24-72 hrs‚ 4= 1 week‚ 5= 2 or more weeks
Scoring information was not provided.
 
 

Reis M‚ Nahmiash D. (1998). Validation of the Indicators of Abuse (IOA) screen. The Gerontologist; 38(4):471-480.

Nelson. Heidi‚ Nygren. Peggy‚ McInerney. Yasmin‚. (2004). Screening for Family and Intimate Partner Violence. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Systematic Evidence Review; 28. www.ahrq.gov

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