Intervention in elder abuse: a swift blade, or a dull-edged saw?

In spite of a geriatric team's offer to intervene in what was perceived to be a case of psychologic and financial abuse, an elderly patient who was being discharged from hospital chose to remain in her home. Frustration and concern about the victim prompted medical student Kim Curtin to write this essay that considers the issues of judgement, beneficence and medical intervention.