Assessing the Probability of Abuse of the Elderly.

Abstract

Over the years several investigators and service providers have indicated the need for a tool to identify elderly victims of abuse and neglect. Identi fying factors related to the risk of elder abuse/neglect can be useful in plan ning services and targeting limited resources for preventing future problems. In this study, over 100 risk indicators were examined for their predictive value in classifying cases of elder abuse/neglect from comparable cases of elderly known not to be victims. Data was collected by nine social service/health agen cies on 50 cases of abuse/neglect and 50 control cases. Through a series of discriminant function data reduction analyses, nine risk indicators were identi fied which were 94% percent accurate in classfying cases into abuse/neglect and control groups. Implications of these findings for future research and for program planning are 4iscussed. Keywords; Elder Abuse, Adult Protective Services, Domestic Violence.