Physical, sexual, or psychological abuse, as well as neglect, abandonments, and financial exploitation of an older person by another person or entity, which occurs in any setting (e.g., home, community, or facility), either in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust and/or when an older person is targeted based on age or disability.
Published in Chapter:
Understanding Elder Victimization and Best Practice Intervention Strategies
Beverly Dolinsky (Endicott College, USA) and Robert A. Jerin (Endicott College, USA)
Copyright: © 2021
|Pages: 26
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-7348-8.ch012
Abstract
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 1 in 10 adults over the age of 60 have experienced some form of abuse including neglect and exploitation. However, these statistics are an underestimate. Professionals who interact with the elderly describe being reluctant to report abuse due to a lack of knowledge of elder abuse, the reporting process, and the resources available to support victims. The invisibility of elder abuse has only increased during the 2020 COVID pandemic due to the increased social isolation of older adults and understaffed, overburdened health and social systems. Cross-disciplinary education for healthcare and social service practitioners, law enforcement, court personnel, families, and the older adults themselves is an essential component to identify and prevent elder abuse. This chapter provides an overview of elder abuse and neglect categories, risk factors, and best practice interventions advocated for addressing elder victimization.