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

Sociodemographic Factors

Sociodemographic factors also can contribute to elder abuse -- not only in leading to the abuse, but in making it more difficult to diagnose. Such factors include: ref

• Stress in the family, such as separation, divorce, and financial strain
• Decreased importance of traditional respect for older adults, including minimizing an older person's problems, needs, and basic rights
• Increased life expectancy
• Advances in medical technology and medications that allow people to live longer but with chronic illness

The National Center on Elder Abuse notes that older individuals may be more susceptible to financial exploitation and fraud simply because many older adults have assets in the form of savings, stocks, insurance, policies, and property. ref

Health and mental health professionals and others have a responsibility to familiarize themselves with all the risk factors contributing to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. For this course, particular attention is focused on substance use as a risk factor.