Elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation: Risk factors and prevention strategies

Along with health care providers, social workers are the professionals most likely to be responsible for detecting signs of elder maltreatment and pro viding interventions and preventive services. In this study, using data fro m a county adult protective services unit, we discuss the complex nature of domestic elder maltreatment, identify risk factors for different types of maltreatment, and recommend prevention strategies. Specifically, we compare self-neglecting elders and those abused and/or neglected by others. Of the latter, we further compare risk factors for physical and emotional/psychol ogical abuse and/or neglect with risk factors for financial exploitation on ly. The risk factors analyzed include elders' gender, age, living arrangeme nt, acute or chronic health conditions, mental health status, cognitive def icits, size of social support, and alcohol abuse. As preventive strategies, we discuss case-management services, caregiver support services, and alcoh ol/substance abuse screening and treatment.