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Elder abuse in the United States.
1Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar, Department of Emergency Medicine, CB#7105, Old Clinic Building, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599-7105, USA.
Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Elder abuse, affecting 4-10% of Americans over 65, encompasses physical, psychological, financial abuse, rights violations, and neglect. Effective intervention requires a multidisciplinary approach, despite legal frameworks lacking funding.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Elder abuse gained public attention in 1978 following a US House investigation.
- Defining elder abuse is complex, with five categories identified: physical, psychological, financial/material abuse, violation of personal rights, and neglect.
- An estimated 4-10% of Americans aged 65 and older experience some form of elder mistreatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding and legal status of elder abuse in the US.
- To highlight challenges in diagnosis and intervention.
- To propose recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and reporting.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and legal statutes concerning elder abuse.
- Analysis of the categories and prevalence of elder mistreatment.
- Examination of legislative responses and intervention strategies.
Main Results:
- All 50 states have laws addressing elder mistreatment, with most mandating reporting.
- Despite legal frameworks, many laws lack funding for effective intervention.
- Intervention necessitates collaboration among medical, social service, mental health, and legal professionals.
Conclusions:
- Elder abuse is a significant public health issue affecting a substantial portion of the elderly population.
- Current legal measures are insufficient due to a lack of funding for intervention.
- A coordinated, multidisciplinary professional effort is crucial for successful elder abuse prevention and intervention.