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

The Problem of Elder Abuse and Neglect

Elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation often go unrecognized and unreported for many reasons. It is natural to question why older adults are the victims of such injustice, especially when a family member perpetrates the abuse. The reasons are complex and multifaceted. Family dynamics often play a role. Some older adults may rely on their children or other family members for their physical care. In other cases, family members may depend on the older adult for housing or financial support. These interdependencies frame the context for exploitation and abuse, which can be either unintentional or intentional:

• Intentional abuse is a conscious and deliberate attempt to inflict physical, emotional, or financial harm, often due to a need for control
• Unintentional abuse is an inadvertent action resulting in physical, emotional, or financial harm, usually due to ignorance, inexperience, lack of desire, or inability to provide proper care ref

Elder abuse shares many characteristics with other family violence issues, such as child abuse and domestic violence, including: ref

• Victims who are vulnerable
• Similar perpetrator characteristics
• Effects of the abuse on the victim
• Difficulties associated with interventions to stop the abuse
• A growing perception of the abuse as a recognized social problem

However, elder abuse also creates its own set of problems and challenges for professionals, family members, and others concerned with the well-being of vulnerable adults.

Source: Domestic Violence Intervention Project, Duluth, MN.