NCJ Number
184212
Date Published
2000
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article examines the way members of four ethnic groups define abuse and exploitation of elderly family members.
Abstract
The article examines perceptions of elder mistreatment across four ethnic groups (European-American, African-American, Puerto Rican, and Japanese-American) and two generations (elder and “baby boom” caregiver). Psychological neglect was the top choice for worst things that a family member can do to an elderly person among European-Americans and Puerto Ricans (along with psychological abuse in the latter regard), psychological abuse among Japanese-Americans and African-Americans (along with unmet expectations in the latter regard). The two generations offered comparable responses. However, caregivers placed more emphasis on unmet expectations and physical abuse, while elders emphasized physical neglect. Puerto Ricans considered elders so important to family tradition and functioning that any actions other than love and respect were regarded as unacceptable at best and abusive at worst. Japanese-Americans chose informal assistance (family and community resources) rather than outsiders such as police or helping professionals for responding to elder mistreatment situations. In general, caregivers were more likely than elders to contact service agencies, and men preferred to call police for assistance rather than community services. Table, references