Understanding Service Utilization in Cases of Elder Abuse to Inform Best Practices. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burnes, David; Rizzo, Victoria M.; Gorroochurn, Prakash; Pollack, Martha H.; Lachs, Mark S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied gerontology. Volume 35:Number 10(2016)
• Page Start: 1036
• Page End: 1057
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: elder abuse -- elder mistreatment -- service utilization -- Adult Protective Services; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 362.6
• DOI: 10.1177/0733464814563609
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-4648

Abstract

Elder abuse (EA) case resolution is contingent upon victims accepting and pursuing protective service interventions. Refusal/underutilization of services is a major problem. This study explored factors associated with extent of EA victim service utilization (SU). Data were collected from a random sample of EA cases ( n = 250) at a protective service program in New York City. In cases involving financial abuse, higher SU was associated with females, poor health, perceived danger, previous help-seeking, and self or family referral. In physical abuse cases, higher SU was associated with family referral and previous help-seeking; lower SU was related to Hispanic race/ethnicity, being married, and child/grandchild perpetrator. In emotional abuse cases, higher SU was associated with self or family referral, victim–perpetrator gender differential, perceived danger, and previous help-seeking; lower SU was related to child/grandchild perpetrator. Findings carry implications for best practices to retain and promote service use among elder victims of abuse.