During a routine visit, an elderly patient who requires assistance with daily activities expresses dissatisfaction with their current living situation, mentioning they often feel isolated and neglected by family members. Although the patient has no physical signs of harm, they appear malnourished and are experiencing frequent, unexplained weight loss. What should the medical assistant consider doing based on this information?
Note the concerns in the patient’s chart and advise the patient to discuss living arrangements with their family.
Prescribe a nutritional supplement without reporting, assuming the patient’s complaints are part of the aging process.
Schedule more frequent appointments to monitor the patient's nutritional status before taking further action.
Initiate a report to adult protective services for possible elder neglect.