What Can Elder Mistreatment Researchers Learn About Primary Prevention From Family Violence Intervention Models?. (28th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meyer, Kylie; Yonashiro-Cho, Jeanine; Gassoumis, Zachary D; Mosqueda, Laura; Han, S Duke; Wilber, Kathleen H
• Is Part Of: Gerontologist. Volume 59:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 601
• Page End: 609
• Publication Date: 2017-11-28
• Subjects: Abuse/neglect -- Caregiving-informal -- Family issues -- Intervention -- Preventive medicine/care/services; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- United States -- Periodicals; 305.2605
• DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnx179
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-9013

Abstract

Abstract: Elder mistreatment (EM) is a public health problem that harms millions of older Americans each year. Despite growing recognition of its occurrence, there are no evidence-based primary prevention programs. Although EM is distinct from other areas of family violence, including child maltreatment and intimate partner violence, common risk factors and theoretical underpinnings point to opportunities for prevention strategies. Drawing on evidence-based best practices found in other fields of family violence, we identify approaches that could be tested to prevent EM at the hands of family caregivers, who are among the most likely to commit mistreatment. Specifically, we examine home visiting approaches primarily used in the child maltreatment field and identify components that have potential to inform EM interventions, including prevention. We conclude that there is enough information to begin testing a prevention intervention for EM that targets caregivers.