The Abuse Intervention Model: A Pragmatic Approach to Intervention for Elder Mistreatment

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Elder mistreatment is prevalent, affecting 10% of older adults, with higher incidence in those with dementia.
• It is linked to adverse outcomes including psychological distress, hospitalization, and mortality.
• Significant economic burden, costing billions annually in the U.S., with underreporting estimated above 90%.

Observation:

• Existing theories and frameworks for elder mistreatment lack a simple, coherent structure encompassing victim, perpetrator, and environmental risk factors.
• A critical need exists for research into effective interventions and a practical framework for addressing elder mistreatment.
• Over 1,000 elder mistreatment cases investigated over 10 years at an Elder Abuse Forensics Center provided practical insights.

Findings:

• A novel Abuse Intervention Model is proposed to analyze the complex, multidimensional relationships between various risk factors.
• This model integrates existing theories, empirical research on risk factors, and practical forensic case experience.
• The model aims to provide a unified approach to understanding the multifaceted nature of elder mistreatment.

Implications:

• The Abuse Intervention Model is expected to facilitate further research into the causes and prevention of elder mistreatment.
• It offers a practical framework for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to develop targeted interventions.
• The model's application can lead to improved strategies for studying and mitigating elder abuse and neglect.