Out of the Shadows
Uncovering Substance Use and Elder Abuse

Module 5: Intervention and Treatment - Page 7 of 20

Intervention Options

an older woman tugging her ear

The victim, abuser, or family may need various health and social services to address the underlying causes of elder abuse, stop it, and reduce the chance it will occur again. Other services treat the emotional, physical, and financial effects. Legal responses may involve prosecution and other measures. The Federal Government funds some services, while State or local entities fund others.

All services must be culturally sensitive so victims, family members, and communities will report and openly discuss elder abuse. Professionals may not be able to achieve an understanding of all the cultures they encounter. However, they can be sensitive to the cultural norms defining family roles, responsibilities, and problem solving as well as the values, past experiences, and beliefs about social service agencies or law enforcement.ref

Culturally sensitive interventions may include ethnic-specific education, the use of mediators and professional translators, asking questions, and assisting with advocacy and challenging commonly held myths. ref

The following services or interventions will be addressed:

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