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Risk factors for reported elder abuse and neglect: a nine-year observational cohort study
M S Lachs1, C Williams, S O'Brien
1New York Hospital-Cornell University Medical Center, NY 10028, USA.
The Gerontologist
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Older adults experiencing poverty, functional disability, or cognitive impairment face higher risks of elder abuse and neglect. New cognitive decline also increases this risk, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Social Work
Background:
- Elder abuse and neglect are significant public health concerns affecting community-dwelling older adults.
- Identifying longitudinal risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate longitudinal risk factors associated with elder abuse and neglect in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults.
- To examine the relationship between demographic, functional, and cognitive factors and the incidence of elder mistreatment.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 2,812 community-dwelling older adults was followed for 9 years.
- Data were linked with elderly protective service records to identify cases of elder abuse and neglect.
- Pooled logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors.
Main Results:
- The 9-year prevalence of corroborated elder abuse or neglect was 1.6%.
- Risk factors identified include older age, race, poverty, functional disability, and cognitive impairment.
- The onset of new cognitive impairment was also significantly associated with elder abuse and neglect.
Conclusions:
- Age, race, poverty, functional disability, and cognitive impairment are significant risk factors for elder mistreatment.
- Reporting bias within the social welfare system may overestimate the influence of race and poverty.
- Further research is needed to understand and mitigate these risks, considering potential reporting biases.