Professional Preparedness to Address Abuse and Neglect among Elders Living in the Rural South: Identifying Resiliency Where Stress Prevails

Abstract

A growing social problem in the U.S. is the increase of elder abuse and neglect. With the increase of the population of older adults over the age of 65 it is expected that there will be an increased need for professionals skilled in working with older adults and with elder victims of abuse and neglect. While this need is present and growing, there is an absence of literature assessing the preparedness of professionals in working with abused and neglected older adults. The purpose of this research is to assess professionals’ perceptions of their preparedness in working with elderly people who are victims of abuse and neglect. Results indicate that professionals struggle with numerous challenges in their pursuit to provide professional service. However, through their narratives, it also becomes clear that factors such as individual and community resiliency are not to be ignored. This study highlights how in spite of the stress imposed by limited resources, lack of funding to obtain training, differing definitions of abuse, and the challenge of working with rural population, assets such as workers’ compassion, dedication, hard work, creativity, a pro-active approach to problem solving, and doing more with less are the assistive factors in helping a vulnerable population. Implications for future research and policy practice are discussed.