THE ASSOCIATION OF ELDER ABUSE AND SUBSTANCE-ABUSE IN THE ILLINOIS ELDER ABUSE SYSTEM

This article explores the role of abuser substance abuse in 552 cases of substantiated elder abuse in Illinois. When the abuser was identifi ed as having a substance abuse (SA) problem, the type of elder abuse s ubstantiated was more likely to involve either physical or emotional a buse than neglect or financial exploitation. Abusers with SA problems were more frequently men and children of their victims, and less likel y to be caregivers, Abuser SA was associated with victim SA. Cases inv olving abusers with SA problems were more likely to be evaluated by ca se workers as having a high potential risk for future abuse. Elder abu ser case workers should be trained to identify both victim and abuser SA and appropriate intervention strategies.