NCJ Number
139398
Date Published
1992
Length
51 pages
Annotation
Adult Protective Services (APS) programs in Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Texas, and Wisconsin were studied to determine the nature and extent of repeat cases of abuse of elderly persons.
Abstract
Data were gathered through 50 interviews with State program administrators, local supervisors, caseworkers, intake workers, and management information specialists. Results revealed that 15 to 23 percent of the individuals reported to these programs had been involved in prior APS investigations. Self-neglect was the largest single source of repeat cases, with clients being legally competent but mentally or physically impaired. Many clients are reluctant to accept the services offered by APS caseworkers, but their situations are repeatedly brought to the attention of APS offices by health care professionals, service providers, and public agencies. The clients who resist APS efforts to provide services are more likely to be referred back to the program at a later time. The study participants reported seeing few repeat cases of physical abuse, possibly because of police involvement in these cases. APS workers also believe that recurrent cases of caregiver neglect by family members are usually unintentional and result from caregiver stress, ignorance, or the caregivers' own frailty and old age. Participants agreed that added funding for services could reduce the recurrence of elder abuse and that they need additional training on methods for assisting resistant clients. National reporting standards and automated information systems would also be useful. Tables, charts, footnotes, and 25 references