How Case Characteristics Differ Across Four Types of Elder Maltreatment: Implications for Tailoring Interventions to Increase Victim Safety

• NCJ Number: 248793
• Author(s): Shelly L. Jackson, Thomas L. Hafemeister
• Date Published: December 2014
• Length: 16 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Award: Financial Abuse of the Elderly vs Other Forms of Elder Abuse: Assessing Their Dynamics, Risk Factors, and Society''s Response

Annotation

The purpose of this study was to determine whether case characteristics are differentially associated with four forms of elder maltreatment.

Abstract

Triangulated interviews were conducted with 71 adult protective services caseworkers, 55 victims of substantiated abuse whose cases they managed, and 35 third party persons. The study found that Pure financial exploitation (PFE) was characterized by victim unawareness of financial exploitation and living alone. Physical abuse (PA) was characterized by victim’s desire to protect the abusive individual. Neglect was characterized by isolation and victim’s residing with the abusive individual. Hybrid financial exploitation (HFE) was characterized by mutual dependency. These differences indicate the need for tailoring interventions to increase victim safety. PFE requires victims to maintain financial security and independence. PA requires services to meet the needs of abusive individuals. Neglect requires greater monitoring when elderly persons reside with another person. HFE requires the provision of services to both members of the dyad. (Publisher abstract modified)