Elder Abuse and Neglect: Considerations for Mental Health Practitioners

Abstract

Elder abuse and neglect are prevalent throughout the U.S. and are often unrecognized and untreated. It is projected that by the year 2030, the number of older adults (age GO and older) will double, thereby increasing the likelihood that mental health practitioners will encounter instances of elder abuse and neglect. The authors address the symptoms, risk factors, consequences, current Laws, interventions, and relevant prevention strategies related to these issues.

Elder Abuse: Clinical, Ethical, and Legal Considerations in Social Work Practice

“…Despite the prevalence of elder abuse, it remains a devastating, unrecognized, and untreated problem (Thompson and Priest 2005;Wilson 2002). Elder abuse can take the form of physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, financial exploitation, abandonment, neglect or self-neglect or a combination of the various forms (National Centre on Elder Abuse 2007; WHO 2002c).…”

Abandonment or autonomy: How do social workers know the difference?

“…There is a critical need for research to support practice in this field. Many authors in this field loudly criticize the lack of empirically based research knowledge that makes it difficult to design and develop effective interventions (Acierno, Rheingold, Resnick, & Stark-Riemer, 2004;Bergeron, 2006;Healy, 1999;Macolini, 1994;Rothman et al, 1996;Schlesinger & Schlesinger, 1999;Thompson & Priest, 2005). Schlesinger and Schlesinger (1999) state: "We do not need more studies that define elder abuse.…”

“…Much of the early research focused on the need to develop a common definition of abuse (Gordon & Brill, 2001;Thompson & Priest, 2005). The lack of a consistent definition has resulted in difficulty with collecting accurate data and making data comparisons and stands in the way of answering the question of what constitutes elder abuse (Mcdonald & Collins, 2000;Podnieks, 2008).…”

“…Furthermore, the guiding principle of least intrusiveness implies the existence of a continuum of choices. The lack of this continuum of resources has been observed (Bergeron, 2006;Thompson & Priest, 2005);Mathews (1988) pointed out that when options are unavailable, the hopeful intention implicit in the idea of least restrictive measures is defeated (as cited in Macolini, 1995). Harbison and Morrow (1998) argue that a requirement of addressing abuse and neglect is for older adults to experience a true autonomy, that is authentic choice and control instead of the limited choices offered by home and community care programs which reinforce the powerlessness of aging individuals.…”

“…The potential for conflict is great when the needs of the older adult and the caregiver are competing; mediation techniques are suggested as helpful, but the answers are not always clear (Cummings & Cockerham, 1997;Healy, 1999). The reality that the caregiver might need to be regarded as part of the equation also leads to the fact that planning support and assistance for an adult in abusive circumstances needs to take into consideration, not only the needs of the abused adult, but also the needs of the perpetrator (Beaulieu & Leclerc, 2006;Thompson & Priest, 2005).…”