Detecting, Addressing and Preventing Elder Abuse in Residential Care Facilities

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 10:04:42 +0000

Detecting, Addressing and Preventing Elder Abuse in Residential Care Facilities Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 09/16/2014 - 06:04

General Material

Published Date

January, 2010

Publisher(s)

Program on Aging and LongTerm Care Policy

School of Rural Public Health

Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC)

College Station

Author(s)

Catherine Hawes

Anne-Marie Kimbell

This study focused on detection, investigation, and resolution of elder abuse and neglect complaints in what are known as residential care facilities (RCFs). We found significant challenges to effective detection, investigation and resolution of elder abuse in RCFs, even in states thought to have effective processes. The major barrier in all states and all agencies was the lack of adequate resources to carry out their responsibilities. We found underreporting of elder abuse, and many instances in which intake workers screened-out many cases that may have warranted further investigation or referral to other agencies. In addition, processes for investigating cases were deeply flawed. Staff lacked forensic training, and investigations were seldom completed in a timely fashion. Significant barriers to resolution were also discovered, including policies that required 'intent' for an act to be 'abuse' - something difficult to achieve when perpetrators were other residents with dementia or were over-worked and under-trained staff. Also, while involvement of police was reportedly increasing, it was still uneven across jurisdictions. In addition, prosecutors and judges were often unprepared or unwilling to deal with elder abuse cases. Finally, unlicensed homes remained a serious, largely unaddressed problem in some states.

Associated Links

Detecting, Addressing and Preventing Elder Abuse in Residential Care Facilities

Material Categories

Residential / Shelter Services

Screening & Assessment

Domestic Violence

Older Adults

Sexual Violence

College Station Content Topic Results

Detecting, Addressing and Preventing Elder Abuse in Residential Care Facilities