Articles tagged with Elder Abuse
A national study finds that over half of US adults have experienced physical violence and nearly half have experienced sexual violence, with stark disparities in who experiences violence and its link to economic hardship, mental health, and substance use. The study highlights the need for a broader strategy to prevent violence, address...
Research at Kyoto University found that individuals with fewer positive childhood experiences are more likely to perpetrate elder abuse, while those with more community-related positive experiences have a lower risk. The study suggests that multiple forms of positive experiences across different domains may be necessary to break the cy...
A new guide has been launched to help tackle the growing threat of technology-facilitated domestic abuse against older people. The resource highlights practical ways to prevent and respond to digital forms of abuse, including how to secure access to bank accounts and lock smart devices.
The USPSTF recommends screening for intimate partner violence in women of reproductive age. Screening for caregiver abuse is not recommended due to insufficient evidence. Abuse can result in significant injury and long-term health consequences.
A study by researchers from the University of Tokyo found that people with adverse childhood experiences are more likely to commit physical or verbal abuse against older adults. The study, which analyzed over 13,000 responses in Japan, revealed that psychological factors were a key contributor to this behavior.
A new intervention for caregivers has been shown to reduce elder mistreatment of older adults with chronic illness, including dementia. The Comprehensive Older Adult and Caregiver Help (COACH) program provides personalized support to caregivers, reducing mistreatment rates from 22.5% to 0%.
A University at Buffalo-led research team has been awarded a $5 million grant to develop digital tools that can help older adults recognize and protect themselves from online deceptions. The project, DART, aims to reduce online fraud among older adults, who lose billions of dollars each year due to scams.
A new study found that reports of elder abuse increased, particularly in cases of physical and emotional abuse, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial abuse remained the most common type, but higher rates of emotional and physical abuse were reported during the pandemic.
A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that interpersonal problems, such as loneliness and relationship dissatisfaction, predict vulnerability to financial exploitation in older adults. Social connectedness is shown to be a key protector against financial abuse.
A University of Otago study found altering an existing assessment tool could double the capture rate of elder abuse sufferers. By adding an 'unable to determine' category, tens of thousands of older New Zealanders may be identified as victims of abuse.
Experts warn that proposed UK law changes could lead to increased financial abuse of older people, particularly those with dementia. Healthcare professionals are called upon to play a vital role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals through training and support.
A new study from Cornell University finds that elder mistreatment is a highly prevalent problem in New York state, affecting nearly 1 in 10 older adults over the next decade. The research team identified poor health as a major risk factor and noted that people who transition to living alone are more likely to suffer financial abuse.
A new analysis of national data found that socially engaged older women had a 76% higher odds of experiencing emotional abuse or mistreatment. Researchers suggest that social activities can connect people with valuable community support but also lead to unintended consequences.
A new study found that women who survived domestic violence are more vulnerable to elder abuse, with 6.4% reporting past experience and significantly poorer psychological wellbeing. This highlights the need for clinical monitoring and ongoing support for survivors as they age.
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine explores injury patterns to identify key differences between elder abuse and unintentional injuries. The study reveals distinct injury patterns, such as head or neck injuries without visible harm, facial injuries on the left cheek, and neck injuries, which can help healthcare profes...
A new Rutgers study reveals that Chinese Americans are disproportionately affected by elder abuse, with a history of child abuse increasing the risk of intimate partner violence and psychological abuse. The research highlights the need for culturally customized care to interrupt the cycle of violence affecting older minorities.
A new study by USC researchers identifies family members as the most common perpetrators of financial elder abuse, making up nearly 55% of reported cases. The study analyzed over 2,000 calls to a National Center on Elder Abuse resource line and found that family members were responsible for more than 42% of alleged abuses.
Rutgers researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 Chinese Americans aged 60+, finding widespread psychological and social stressors associated with caregiving distress and intergenerational conflict. The study highlights the need for improved research participation and health equity among minority groups.
A Rutgers University study found that Chinese-Americans who experienced child abuse or intimate partner violence are more likely to experience elder abuse. The researchers surveyed 3,157 Chinese-American adults over age 60 and found a significant association between early victimization and later abuse.
Dr. Laura Mosqueda will discuss state-of-the-art approaches to elder abuse identification, treatment, and prevention at the AGS Annual Scientific Meeting. Her talk highlights geriatrics' role in addressing mistreatment of older adults and promoting strong social supports.
Experts developed a standardized framework to document physical findings on older patients, which includes diagrams and a questionnaire. The Geriatric Injury Documentation Tool aims to improve documentation of geriatric injuries and ultimately result in better medical care for older adults.
The virtual program, launched at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, has increased mistreated elderly Texans' access to elder mistreatment and geriatric experts by quadrupling APS worker and client referrals. The network provides access to UTHealth team for APS workers using videophone-assisted secure devices.
The USPSTF recommends clinicians screen women of reproductive age for intimate partner violence and then connect them to ongoing support services. However, evidence is insufficient regarding screening older or vulnerable adults for abuse and neglect.
A study published in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry suggests that smaller social networks and feelings of loneliness are significant risk factors for late-life depression. The findings also emphasize the need to detect childhood abuse in adults with depression and consider it in treatment planning.
A new Journal of the American Geriatrics Society article calls for increased research on elder abuse among US Military Veterans, who face high risk due to known risk factors. The study highlights the need for a national scope and partnerships with federal agencies to improve care and prevent abuse.
A new study found that older adults who experience physical abuse are more likely to be abused again if they live with their abuser. Repeat victims were often abused by a relative and faced broken reporting systems.
The report highlights increased rates of rape incidents, intimate partner homicides, and human trafficking in Texas between 2010 and 2015. Notably, the rate of rape incidents reported to police was 44.4 per 100,000, with a 13% higher rate compared to the US.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that radiologists may be uniquely positioned to detect elder abuse due to their role in identifying injury patterns. However, most diagnostic radiologists have limited training or experience in this area, and all participants reported missing cases of elder abuse.
Elder abuse affects approximately 1 in 10 older adults in the US, with 23 million emergency department visits annually. A new study estimates that only 1 in 7,700 visits result in a formal diagnosis of elder abuse, highlighting a major missed opportunity for patient safety and unmet care needs.
Emergency physicians face a growing challenge as the Baby Boomer generation ages; they need to balance documenting findings and referring patients with their obligations to prevent misunderstandings. Two studies highlight the importance of a team-based approach, including social workers and law enforcement, to identify elder abuse.
A new study by the University of Toronto and Cornell University found that older adults living alone with their abusers were up to four times more likely to experience severe mistreatment. The 'youngest old' (ages 60-74) were particularly vulnerable to the most severe forms of abuse.
The financial industry is facing a major economic threat from elder financial exploitation and cognitive decline, which can result in significant losses for individuals and society. New research and initiatives are being developed to detect, prevent, and intervene in these cases, including predictive models and algorithms.
Aging-related changes in physical condition and life circumstances can lead to financial vulnerabilities, which may result in substantial loss of resources. The term age-associated financial vulnerability (AAFV) describes a pattern of behavior placing older adults at risk for considerable loss of resources.
Dr. XinQi Dong, a prominent gerontologist, received the GSA's 2015 Joseph T. Freeman Award for his groundbreaking research on elder abuse and neglect. The award recognizes his contributions to advancing the study of aging and improving health outcomes for older adults.
Peter Lichtenberg's Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University has developed the Lichtenberg Financial Decision-Making Screening and Rating Scales, a tool to profile an older adult's vulnerability to exploitation. The scales have shown initial studies confirm their reliability in identifying those at risk of financial abuse.
Experts have proposed new policies to address retirement security, healthy aging, and long-term services. These policies aim to promote healthier aging, improve retirement security, and increase access to long-term services and supports.
Elder abuse is a common issue globally, affecting up to 47% of older adults with dementia in North America. The prevalence varies widely across regions, with higher rates found in Asia and lower rates reported in some African countries.
Elder abuse affects 5-10% of seniors and is associated with hospital admissions, reduced quality of life, and death. Physicians can help prevent it by being aware of risk factors and using validated screening tools like the Elder Abuse Suspicion Index.
A recent study from Weill Cornell Medicine found that nearly one in five nursing home residents experienced mistreatment from fellow residents, including verbal and physical abuse. The research suggests targeting interventions towards vulnerable individuals with dementia or mood disorders to address this widespread problem.
A study of over 4,100 New York State residents aged 60+ found that 2.7% were financially exploited in the past year, with 78% having their money or property stolen. Family members, particularly adult children, are the most common perpetrators.
A recent study by Rush researchers found that older adults subjected to elder abuse face a greater risk of hospitalization than their non-abused peers. The study, which analyzed data from over 6,600 community-dwelling older adults, showed that reported elder abuse was independently associated with increased rates of hospitalization.
A study identified a pattern of frequent injuries, including facial trauma, dental trauma, and brain hemorrhages, among abused elderly patients. Radiologists can use these findings to aid in identifying potential cases of elder abuse, which is often neglected compared to child abuse.
UC Irvine's Program in Geriatrics has been awarded a three-year, $1 million grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging to implement a new federal initiative combating elder abuse. The program will test promising community-based practices to prevent the abuse of people with dementia, with the goal of reducing this complex and interrela...
Elder abuse affects 4% of Canadian seniors, with an estimated 200,000 to 500,000 people experiencing abuse or neglect. A comprehensive approach is needed, including financial support for caregivers and education, training, and respite programs.
A new study reveals a higher rate of elder abuse among Latino communities, with 10.7% experiencing physical abuse and 9% experiencing sexual abuse in the last year. The study highlights the need for culturally competent programs to raise awareness and prevent elder abuse within these communities.
The elderly are at higher risk for property crimes, self-neglect, and abuse, with financial swindles being one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse. Studies have shown that older homicide victims are more likely to be female and killed by family members or in the course of a robbery.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends that neurologists screen patients for abusive treatment by family or others. This can help identify vulnerable patients who may be at risk of traumatic brain injury or other harm.
Research by Virginia Tech's Karen A. Roberto found that elderly women are nearly twice as likely to fall victim to financial abuse, while younger males between 30-59 commit most cases. Seniors can prevent financial abuse with awareness and precautions.
XinQi Dong, MD, MPH, receives the award for translating research into practical application and policy, focusing on elder abuse and neglect issues. The award recognizes his work in bridging research and practice, particularly in promoting understanding and civic engagement among Chinese communities.
The US Department of Justice has recognized UC Irvine's Elder Abuse Forensic Center for its efforts to prevent elder abuse, with Attorney General Eric Holder praising the center and its founder Dr. Laura Mosqueda for their outstanding work.
Victims of severe elder abuse show higher rates of physical harm, mental illness, and substance abuse compared to non-abused individuals. The study found that 29% of abuse victims tested positive for alcohol, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue.
Two-year grants fund direct clinical services, technical assistance, medical evaluations, training, and public awareness campaigns to prevent elder abuse. The center aims to promote aging with dignity and make an impact on the local and national scale.
A study found that elderly individuals with reported self-neglect or abuse have a significantly increased risk of death, particularly within the first year. Confirmed elder abuse was also associated with a higher risk of overall mortality.
A recent study published in JAMA found that older adults who experience abuse or self-neglect are at a higher risk of premature death from all causes and heart disease. The study highlights the dire health consequences for these vulnerable individuals, emphasizing the need for early identification and reporting of suspected cases.
The new center aims to prevent abuse and help victims achieve a life without mistreatment. The funding will support the advancement of strategies for addressing elder abuse and neglect, which affects up to 10% of older Americans annually.
Studies highlight the impact of Medicaid program reductions, including increased coverage loss and unmet healthcare needs, as well as the influence of insurance status on physician decision-making. Undiagnosed diabetes is also found to have detrimental consequences, including increased rates of nephropathy and neuropathy.
According to the study, underage drinkers and pathological drinkers collectively spent at least $48.3 billion on alcohol in 2001, accounting for nearly one-third of total consumer expenditures. The majority of adult drinkers who developed abuse or dependence began drinking before age 21.
A recent study has found that abdominal injuries in children under 14 are twice as likely to be caused by abuse as road-traffic accidents. The researchers analyzed data from over 180 injured children and found that small-bowel injuries are more common in abused children, especially those under five.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that spouse caregiving situations are associated with potentially harmful behavior, compromised mental and physical health, and increased mortality risk. Researchers highlight the need for screening and intervention efforts to address this issue.
A multidisciplinary approach is needed to address elder abuse, directly impacting quality of life and requiring urgent response from healthcare professionals.