EXPLORING FRONTLINE PERSONNELS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SUPPORT, KNOWLEDGE, AND RESOURCES FOR ELDER ABUSE

Abstract

Abstract In Virginia, the number of both reported and substantiated cases of abuse in later life have grown steadily over the last several years (DARS, 2021; O’Connor, 2019). Unfortunately, the resources provided to combat elder abuse have not maintained the same steady increase; in many cases, funding to agencies that work to prevent abuse in later life has even been reduced (DARS, 2021). To better understand the gap that exists between need and available resources in Virginia, we conducted an exploratory sequential mixed methods study [QUAL → quan] (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018). In the qualitative strand, we conducted a series of interviews and focus groups with professionals who often are called upon to respond/intervene when elder abuse is suspected: aging and victim services (n = 9), healthcare providers (n = 7), law enforcement (n = 8). Three themes emerged from the qualitative data: increasing capacity, prevention/coordination, and ageism. Findings from the qualitative strand were then used to guide implementation of the quantitative strand. These participants (N = 2,891) worked in a variety of frontline settings with older adults or in aging services, mostly in health care, law enforcement, social services. Project findings point to a need for increased resources for and training on elder abuse, a shift from reaction to prevention of abuse, improved care coordination and case management, and a need to reduce harmful ageist beliefs. Moreover, our findings highlight the effect structural and societal ageism at the policy level perpetuates the prevalence of abuse in later life.