NCJ Number
179895
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: 1999 Pages: 1-22
Date Published
1999
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Current knowledge about abuse and neglect of elderly persons is examined, based on a literature review and an analysis of six cases in which the author was involved over an 18-month period as a social work practitioner and manager in the United Kingdom.
Abstract
The majority of older people who experience abuse are women. However, the issue of elder abuse has received little attention to date. Elders who experience neglect tend to be frail, dependent females who are impaired, are living with an adult child, and are a source of extreme stress to their caregivers. In contrast, elders who are physically or psychologically abused are less likely to be physically dependent, but they may have emotional difficulties. These elders usually live with their abuser, who is dependent on them, especially financially. Elderly victims of financial abuse are more likely to be unmarried and to live alone in comparatively isolated situations. Analysis of the six cases revealed that the most common forms of abuse endured were financial and psychological abuse, closely followed by physical abuse. Four women experienced more than one type of abuse. Men were the abusers in five of the situations. The two most relevant risk factors were victim dependency and social isolation. Most of the situations required lengthy periods of both assistive and supportive interventions over long periods of time. The analysis indicated the need for high levels of assistance in many situations and the need to target services to the specific needs of the individual. Tables and 38 references (Author abstract modified)