NCJ Number
145877
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: (1991) Pages: 91-108
Date Published
1991
Length
18 pages
Annotation
A multidisciplinary panel of practitioners worked to identify and prioritize the most needed research topics in the area of elder abuse.
Abstract
Abuse of elderly people is an area in which very little is known. Much of the existing research on elder abuse has tended to assume that these cases are similar to child abuse cases, viewing the elderly person as vulnerable and dependent on a family member or other person for their care. The focus has been on the event that triggers violent action on the part of the caregiver. It is becoming clear that the problem is much more complicated. The National Aging Resource Center on Elder Abuse gathered together a panel of researchers for the purpose of identifying existing gaps in knowledge about elder abuse and developing an elder abuse national research agenda. The group of 10 practitioners from various disciplines worked to establish a contextual framework for the agenda by resolving conflicts in such basic issues as how to define abuse of the elderly and the types of mistreatment that should be considered abuse. The panel then came up with recommendations for topics in which research is needed. These can be grouped into six areas: the scope of problem; the origin and root causes of abuse and neglect; societal costs and consequences; identification of victims; prevention and treatment; and legal concerns. Finally, the panel made some recommendations for improving research methodology.