"From vulnerability to accountability": An integrated elder abuse prevention framework for intergenerational...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Intergenerational cohousing offers potential benefits for aging adults, including reduced loneliness and financial strain.
• These benefits are associated with protection against elder abuse.
• However, cohousing environments may also present unique risks for elder abuse, with current responses being inadequate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a comprehensive set of mechanisms for preventing and addressing elder abuse within intergenerational cohousing settings.
• To highlight the limitations of existing individual recommendations.

Main Methods:

• This article commentary synthesizes existing knowledge and proposes a holistic framework.
• It focuses on coordinated design elements, structures, and processes.

Main Results:

• Individual recommendations like charters and design safeguards are insufficient on their own.
• A coordinated, multi-faceted approach is necessary.

Conclusions:

• A holistic set of coordinated mechanisms is proposed to effectively prevent and respond to elder abuse in cohousing.
• These integrated elements aim to create safer environments for older adults in shared living arrangements.