NCJ Number
108751
Journal
Journal of Gerontological Social Work Volume: 10 Issue: 3-4 Dated: (1987) Pages: 21-36
Date Published
1987
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study of seven elder abuse identification measures revealed on overdependence upon victim reports, the necessity of an intensive knowledge of each case, a tendency to rely upon an observer's judgment rather than collecting objective data, and an implicit criticism toward aged persons and their caretakers.
Abstract
Items in the seven measures were analyzed to determine the types of abuse covered, which items and abuse types were common, which types of abuse were not covered, and what deficiencies existed. The six categories of abuse included: physical abuse, physical neglect, psychological abuse, psychological neglect, material abuse, violation of personal rights, and risk indicators -- family or situational factors which are likely to put an elder at high risk of abuse. Risk factors appeared most frequently in the measures. Symptoms of actual abuse were most often related to physical abuse or neglect. Items underrepresented were psychological abuse and neglect, material abuse, and violation of personal rights. The measures depended heavily on the victim's willingness to report the abuse or neglect. Recommendations for improving methods of identifying elderly victims of abuse are provided. Over 30 references. (Author abstract modified)