Table of Contents

About This Course

1. Introduction to Elder Abuse
2. The Basics of Elder Abuse
3. Substance Use and Other Risk Factors
4. Screening and Assessment
5. Intervention and Treatment
6. Preventing Elder Abuse

Supplements
Case Studies
References
Resources

Out of the Shadows
Uncovering Substance Use and Elder Abuse

Module 1 Pages 1 - Objectives2 - Acknowledging the Problem3 - Scope of Problem4 - Recognizing the Cost to Society5 - Uncovering the Hidden Problem6 - Understanding Risk Factors for Abuse7 - Cultural Factors in Elder Abuse8 - Summary9 - Quiz

Scope of Problem

There is no definitive number quantifying how many people are affected by elder abuse, largely because of the lack of research, varying definitions of elder abuse, and underreporting. Estimates range from more than 550,000 to 2 million older people who may be victims of physical, psychological, or other forms of elder abuse and neglect every year. ref^, ref These estimates do not include abuse that occurs in long-term care settings, such as nursing homes.

Because elder abuse remains a largely hidden problem, the actual number of people affected is most certainly even higher. According to the 1998 National Elder Abuse Incidence Study on abuse and neglect within domestic settings, for every one reported incident of abuse or neglect, approximately five go unreported. ref

The study's design limitations show only a partial picture of the problem of elder abuse and neglect. However, even this incomplete picture demonstrates cause for concern.

Reported cases of elder abuse are increasing at an alarming rate. The National Elder Abuse Incident Study found that:

• The number of elder abuse cases reported to Adult Protective Services (APS) agencies increased 150 percent between 1986 and 1996.
• People 80 years or older suffered abuse and neglect in numbers much greater that their representation in the general population. ref

A 2000 nationwide survey of State APS programs found that the total number of elder abuse or adult abuse reports to APS programs was 472,813 in the most recent year in which data was available. Substantiated allegations of maltreatment from 40 States which were organized by categories of abuse showed that:

• 41.9 percent of the cases involved self-neglect
• 20.1 percent involved physical abuse
• 13.2 percent involved caregiver neglect or abandonment. ref

Men and women from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can be victims of elder abuse. Contrary to popular belief, most older adults live outside institutional settings. As a result, most elder abuse occurs within family settings (although older adults living in residential settings are particularly at risk for abuse and neglect).