A Review and Analysis of Measures for the Identification of Elder Abuse

Abstract

This study examined seven elder abuse identification measures developed by various agencies and researchers. Each index was separated into its constituent items and the items examined to determine the type of abuse which they measured. Risk Indicators - family or situational factors which are likely to put an elder at high risk of abuse - appeared most frequently in the measures. Symptoms of actual abuse in the measures were most often related to Physical Abuse or Neglect. Psychological Abuse and Neglect, Material Abuse, and Violation of Personal Rights were underrepresented. A qualitative inspection of the items revealed an overdependence upon victim reports, the necessity of an intensive knowledge of each case, a tendency to rely upon the judgment of the observer rather than collecting personal data, and an implicit criticism toward aged persons and their caretakers. Recommendations are made for improving methods of identifying elderly victims of abuse.