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

Bringing Elder Abuse Out in the Open

A beloved mother with a fatal disease enduring verbal abuse from an in-home care worker, an aging bachelor who lost the family's centennial farm to a scam artist, a cherished aunt whose engagement ring "disappeared" in a nursing home, a widowed mother facing domestic violence in a new marriage, a frail father in agony because of neglect -- most people can easily cite examples of elder abuse within their families or circle of friends.

The pervasive nature of elder abuse -- which involves acts as disparate as unintentional neglect, intentional cruelty, financial or psychological exploitation, and other wide-ranging behaviors -- requires a broad response involving many players and sectors. In other words, ending elder abuse is everyone's responsibility.

Fortunately, resources and programs exist, geared to potential abusers and victims in various settings, to combat the hidden problem of elder abuse. Prevention is a constantly evolving discipline that incorporates new research findings and practices to reach a range of audiences -- from the entire population to those individuals at particular risk.