Eliciting change in at-risk elders (ECARE): evaluation of an elder abuse intervention program

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Social Work

Background:

• Elder abuse and self-neglect pose significant risks to vulnerable populations.
• Community-based interventions are crucial for addressing elder abuse effectively.
• Partnerships between social services and law enforcement can enhance victim support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Eliciting Change in At-Risk Elders (ECARE) program.
• To assess the program's impact on reducing elder abuse risk factors and promoting change.
• To explore the role of long-term relationships in intervening in entrenched elder abuse cases.

Main Methods:

• Community-based intervention program involving alliance building, supportive service connection, and motivational interviewing.
• Partnership with local law enforcement to assist suspected victims of elder abuse and self-neglect.
• Assessment of changes in risk factors and progress through Prochaska and DiClemente's stages of change.

Main Results:

• Risk factors associated with elder abuse decreased significantly during the intervention.
• Approximately 75% of participants advanced at least one stage in their treatment goals.
• 43% of elders moved into the action and maintenance stages of change.

Conclusions:

• The Eliciting Change in At-Risk Elders program demonstrates effectiveness in reducing elder abuse risk.
• Motivational interviewing and long-term relationships are valuable in supporting elders through difficult life changes.
• Community-based, multi-agency approaches are vital for comprehensive elder abuse intervention.