Social Work

Direct Study

What is Considered Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is any form of mistreatment that results in
harm or loss to an older person. It is generally divided
into the following categories: Physical abuse is physical
force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment
(NCPEA, 2008).

Who Are The Abusers?

Abusers of the elderly are usually individuals that the
older adult trust, such as family members or a
caretaker.
Types of abuse:
Mental
Emotional
Physical
Financial

Elder Abuse

Elder abuse by children

ranks the highest
among family abusers.
Spousal abuse usually
occurs when the spouse
is improperly trained to
deal with an aging
partner and the stress
that come along with
caring for the elder
individual.

What Are The Signs of Elder Abuse?

Unexplained Bruises
Not taking medications, because the medications are being
withheld or stolen for personal use.
Malnourishment
Transfer of property
Poor hygiene
Psychological abuse, which usually shows in psychological
outcomes such as apathy, depression, and fearfulness.
Cohen, M., Levin, S., Gagin, R., & Friedman, G. (2007)

What are the ways elder abuse is

identified?
The tools can be clustered into three groups The first is direct questioning of the older person, aimed at eliciting disclosure
of abusive behaviors by caregivers or others
Screening and assessment tools of the second group check for evident signs of
different kinds of abuse
The aim of the third group of screening and assessment tools is the
identification of risk factors. The rationale is that many of those at high risk are
actually abused. Risk factors are inherent in the demographic, psychological,
cognitive, and social characteristics of elderly persons and of their family
members or in the kind of living arrangements.
The Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (H-S/EAST),19 which directly
probes for abuse or violation of personal rights and potentially abusive
situations.
Cohen, M., Levin, S., Gagin, R., & Friedman, G. (2007)

What Programs Are In Place to

Assist The Abused?
Mental health services
Legal aid services
Counseling
Domestic violence
Case management
Supportive services
Victim witness assistance program

Is There A Difference in African

Americans And Other Races Abuse?
Wealthy or Caucasian abusers will spend their parents money.
Caucasians will place elder individuals in an assisted living
environment.
Refusal of medical treatment that would lead to further declining of
the individuals health, and possible death to inherit the individuals
finances.
African American or low income abusers will misuse the individuals
finances to fund their addictions.
Misuse of the elderly individuals finances usually results in
cancellation of home or car insurance, default of utility bills or
termination of services.
Mismanagement of medications.

Help End Elder Abuse

Resources
Cohen, M., Levin, S., Gagin, R., & Friedman, G. (2007).
Elder Abuse: Disparities Between Older People's
Disclosure of Abuse, Evident Signs of Abuse, and High
Risk of Abuse. Journal of the American Geriatrics
Society, 1224-1230.
Preventing The Abuse of Elders. (2008). Retrieved June
10, 2015, from
http://www.preventelderabuse.org/elderabuse/help/help
2.html