NCJ Number
163973
Date Published
1996
Length
32 pages
Annotation
After reviewing the causes and situational dynamics of mistreatment of the elderly, this chapter considers practical and theoretical models pertinent to elder mistreatment; this is followed by discussions of the detection of elder mistreatment, the assessment of elder mistreatment, and methods of intervention.
Abstract
The chapter addresses how cases of suspected elder mistreatment are reported and some of the strategies that a protective services worker might use during initial contacts with clients. Crisis conditions that are observed at these times may require an immediate response by a protective services worker. Another section of the chapter advises that interventions may begin before assessments have been completed. It describes some of the interventions that may be implemented by practitioners, with the focus on protective service interventions. These include court interventions, medical treatment, education, counseling, support groups, and the provision of legal information pertinent to resolving specific crises. Crucial to the development of effective interventions is the provision of financial resources necessary for protective services. If protective services workers could be freed from the constraints that are imposed by excessive caseloads and "bare-bones" budgets, they could focus more on the prevention of elder mistreatment. Chapter questions, simulated exercises, and 76 references