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

Recognizing the Cost to Society

Elder abuse comes at tremendous health, social, and economic costs. Experts have pointed out that because many older people have fewer support systems and reserves, physical, psychological, and economic, the impact of abuse and neglect is increased. Even a single incident can cause a downward spiral in an otherwise productive, self-sufficient individual, leading to loss of independence, serious complicating illness, and even death. ref

Older adults who are abused and neglected are three times more likely to die than those who are not abused. Older adults who suffer from self-neglect are nearly two times more likely to die than those who do not. ref

The extent and cost of elder abuse can only escalate, given the demographics of an aging population with fewer children available as family caregivers and an ever-growing need for quality caregiving.