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 2 Pages 1 - Objectives2 - The Problem of Elder Abuse and Neglect3 - Age-Related Vulnerabilities4 - Defining Abuse and Neglect5 - Who Are the Victims?6 - Characteristics of Victims7 - Who Are the Abusers?8 - Characteristics of Abusers9 - Where Does Elder Abuse Occur?10 - Long-Term Care Settings11 - Why Does Elder Abuse Occur?12 - Theories of Elder Abuse13 - Consequences of Abuse and Neglect14 - Consequences for Abusers15 - Need for Data and Research16 - Summary17 - Case Study18 - Quiz

Consequences of Abuse and Neglect

Abuse, neglect, and exploitation have consequences beyond bruises and other physical manifestations. The consequences also extend to unnecessary suffering, pain, injury, loss and/or violation of human rights, and decreased quality of life. ref

The aging process and chronic diseases only magnify the problem. Older people generally do not have the same physical, psychological, and economic reserves as younger people, which means even minor incidents of mistreatment can have devastating effects leading to loss of independence, illness, or even death. ref

Consequences for Victims

Physical Consequences for Victims

Elder abuse may be manifested physically through bruises, fractures, malnutrition, dehydration, burns, sexually transmitted diseases, or other injuries. Older adults also may demonstrate adverse side effects due to the misuse of medications. Elder abuse also may result in lack of personal hygiene from neglect.

Emotional/Psychological Consequences for Victims

Abused older adults are more likely to experience depression than those who are not abused. Older victims also may respond to abuse with "learned helplessness" and alienation associated with a loss of coping mechanisms and self-esteem. Other psychological consequences include posttraumatic stress syndrome and feelings of guilt, shame, or fear. Victims also may deny they are being mistreated, minimize the abuse, or excuse the abuser.

Social Consequences for Victims

Virtually all forms of abuse can have social consequences, including increased isolation, visits to the emergency room, and hospital admissions. However, financial abuse and neglect also can lead to the loss of assets, the inability to maintain a home, and other limitations on quality of life and independence.

Death as a Consequence of Abuse

The first longitudinal study to examine mortality rates among older adults that included a subset of those referred to protective services for elder mistreatment concluded "reported elder mistreatment confers additional death risk." In this 1998 study, older adults seen by Adult Protective Services for mistreatment had lower survival rates (9 percent) after a 13-year follow-up period than older adults seen for self-neglect problems (17 percent) or those having no contact with Adult Protective Services (40 percent). ref