Your Client, Who Is an Older Adults Living with an Adult

Your client, who is an older adults living with an adult child (caregiver) , reports that she is not allowed to leave her bedroom more than once a day and does not receive meals more than once a day. As a counselor, what is your responsibility?

A) You principle responsibility is to build up the ego strength of your client so she will advocate for herself in this situation.
B) Because this is considered neglect and maltreatment, you have a responsibility to respond. However, because your client is an adult, you are obligated to keep this information confidentiality unless your client gives you written consent to talk to others.
C) Because this is considered elder abuse, you are required to report this information to an appropriate local agency, such as adult protective services.
D) Because mandatory reporting laws do not exist in some states in reference to elder abuse, your responsibility first and foremost is to learn what the requirements of your state are in terms of confidentiality and reporting.