Abuse of Hispanic elders

The nature, extent, and consequences of Hispanic elder abuse are described infrequently and often underconsidered. We reviewed information of 16,677 Hispanic elders living in the community who were abused between 1991 and 1995; these were based on valid cases reported to the Adult Protective Services (APS) office in Texas. Data did not include nursing home victims. Hispanic elders accounted for 20.6% of all elderly cases reported to APS. A 10% to 20% annual increase was seen over each of the past 5 years. Self-neglect was the most commonly identified form of abuse (63.2%). Cases with more than 1 allegation were common. The most common perpetrators (excluding self) were adult children (44.6%). Women were twice as likely as men to suffer abuse of any kind. Reluctance of victims to become involved in services to ameliorate their situations is a major barrier to effective intervention. Strategies to prevent abuse of Hispanic elders are needed and should focus on known characteristics of the abused and abusers.