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

Characteristics of Abusers

Understanding the characteristics of the abusers as well as the victims of abuse can help predict future episodes. Further research has assisted in developing the following profile:

• In two-thirds of these cases, the abuser was under 60. ref
• Abusers are equally split between men and women, although men perpetrate a higher percentage of physical, emotional, and financial abuse, and females are slightly higher perpetrators of neglect. ref
• The overwhelming majority of perpetrators of abuse in reported cases were Caucasian. ref Further research has determined that behavior interpreted as abuse, and the tendency to report these incidences to the police, vary widely across cultures. ref
• Although no specific data exist on actual numbers, many abusers have a history of psychiatric illness and/or past or present problems with substance abuse.
• Family members who are perpetrators of abuse, particularly financial exploitation, may have substance abuse, gambling or financial problems, or a sense of entitlement about an older person's assets. ref
• A caregiver's dependence on an older adult for financial or emotional support may contribute to elder abuse. ref

Elder abuse researcher Holly Ramsey-Klawsnik has suggested five types of offenders: ref

1. Overwhelmed offenders enter a caregiving position expecting to provide adequate care, but the amount of care exceeds their capacities.
2. Impaired offenders have problems that render them unqualified to provide adequate care, such as advanced age and frailty, physical and mental illnesses, and developmental disabilities.
3. Narcissistic offenders are motivated by personal gain, not the desire to help others, and may neglect or financially exploit older adults.
4. Domineering or bullying offenders believe their actions are justified and the victim "deserved" the abuse.
5. Sadistic offenders derive feelings of power and importance by humiliating, terrifying, and harming others.