Understanding "Elder Abuse and Neglect": A Critique of Assumptions Underpinning Responses to the Mistreatment and Neglect of Older People

• NCJ Number: 239364
• Journal: Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 24 Issue: 2 Dated: April - June 2012 Pages: 88-103
• Author(s): Joan Harbison, Ph.D., R.S.W. Ph.D.; Stephen Coughlan, LLM, Ph.D.; Marie Beaulieu, Ph.D.; Jeff Karabanow, Ph.D.; Madine Vanderplaat, Ph.D.; Sheila Wildeman, LLB, M.A. L; Ezra Wexler, B.S.W., R.S.W.
• Date Published: April 2012
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article provides an overview of the ways in which the mistreatment and neglect of older people have come to be understood as a social problem.

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the ways in which the mistreatment and neglect of older people have come to be understood as a social problem, one which is underpinned by a variety of substantive and theoretical assumptions. It connects the process of conceptualizing elder abuse and neglect to political-economic and social evolution. The authors draw on a review of the literature, government sources, interest group Web sites, and their own research to provide a critical commentary illustrating how these understandings have become manifest in legislation, policies, and programs pertaining to "elder abuse and neglect" in Canada. Suggestions are provided for changes in direction for policies, programs, and research. (Published Abstract)