Abstract:

The social problem of domestic neglect & abuse of the elderly, though not uncommon in the U.S., has not been sufficiently researched. An interview survey of official care providers, police & other involved personnel in Michigan (N = 228 usable responses) revealed that the oldest & most frail elderly are at the greatest risk. Victims tend to be living with adult children or other informal caretakers who become neglectful or abusive when the burdens of providing care for a frail, elderly person interact with stress, inadequate preparation, medical problems of the caretaker, alcohol abuse, financial difficulties, & other situational factors. Family histories of neglect or abuse & other causal hypotheses have also been investigated. A review of recent studies reveals general agreement regarding the nature & apparent dynamics of this emerging problem among the elderly. Opportunities for prevention are discussed in terms of current models of service to the aging & redirection of other public health & social services.