CONSIDERATIONS OF ELDER ABUSE IN RURAL AMERICA

Abstract

Over 10 million persons aged 65 and older live in small towns and other rural areas, some of whom experience elder abuse. The structure and culture of rural environments may inadvertently conceal abuse and thereby inhibit prevention and treatment efforts. Few studies exist about vulnerable elders living in rural places and experiencing types of elder abuse. Similar to younger adults, older adults may be trapped in abusive situations because of their lack of education and resources. Different from their younger counterparts, the passage of time can exacerbate these deficits. Also, advanced age and, for some, poor physical and emotional health creates impediments to leaving abusive situations. A lack of qualified care providers may also increase older adults’ susceptibility to elder abuse. This presentation discusses mechanisms for leveraging insufficient personal and community resources so that intervention and prevention efforts better target older adults living in rural areas who experience elder abuse.