Emerging Innovations, Best Practices, and Evidence-Based Practices in Elder Abuse and Neglect: a Review of Recent Developments in the Field

Abstract

In this systematic literature review, we identify and describe a number of innovative, best practice, and evidencebased practices, models, and programs in the field of elder maltreatment. A total of 161 abstracts, reports and articles were reviewed using various databases, national organizations, clearinghouses, websites, and other references in journal articles and reports. Review, descriptive, and informational articles were ultimately excluded. Sixty-seven articles met the final criteria: 28 evidence-based practices, 22 best practices, and 17 emerging/innovative practices. Findings provide up-to-date practice approaches and research on elder mistreatment to professionals who work with older adults. We also highlight a number of findings and directions for future research. This article adds to the overall knowledge of current practices to investigate, intervene, and mitigate elder abuse and neglect.

An Evaluation of Abuse and Neglect in Elderly with the Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test

“…According to the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization Toronto Declaration, elder abuse is "a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person," while neglect is an intentional or unintentional failure to meet the social, physical, or emotional needs of an older adult (4,6). It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as self-neglect-where there is no perpetrator (7). The United Nations International Plan of Action (2002) adopted in Madrid recognized the importance of addressing abuse and neglect of older adults and incorporated it within its framework for universal human rights (8).…”

Sibling Violence

“…By the late 1980s, however, there was increasing evidence to support that "at least some elder abuse is spouse abuse grown old" (Lundy & Grossman, 2005, p. 87; see also, for example, Antley, 2017;Brandl & Raymond, 1997;National Center on Elder Abuse, 1998;Pillemer & Finkelhor, 1988;Podnieks, 1992). It also became clear over time that adult children who abuse elders may not only need respite but they may also have problems of their own that contribute to their abusive behavior (Johannesen & LoGiudice, 2013;Moore & Browne, 2017;Pillemer & Finkelhor, 1988).…”

Recognizing the Trauma Experienced by Community-Dwelling Older Victims of Financial Abuse Perpetrated by Trusted Others

“…With one exception (Wilber 1991), existing intervention reviews have not focused exclusively on financial exploitation. Nonetheless, across intervention reviews, the results are disappointing (e.g., Moore and Browne 2017). Considerable efforts are underway in trying to understand victims of financial fraud (Scheibe et al 2014;Wood et al 2018), a foundation upon which to build interventions.…”