Many strategies have been implemented to prevent elder abuse and to take action against it and mitigate its consequences. Interventions that have been implemented – mainly in high-income countries – to prevent abuse include:
public and professional awareness campaigns
screening (of potential victims and abusers)
school-based intergenerational programmes
caregiver support interventions (including stress management and respite care)
residential care policies to define and improve standards of care
caregiver training on dementia.
Efforts to respond to and prevent further abuse include interventions such as:
mandatory reporting of abuse to authorities
self-help groups
safe-houses and emergency shelters
psychological programmes for abusers
helplines to provide information and referrals
caregiver support interventions
Elder abuse
The abuse of older adults occurs all too frequently but remains a largely hidden problem. Elder abuse is an intentional act, or failure to act, by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that causes harm to an adult 60 years and older. It is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations. Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences, increased risk of nursing home placement, use of emergency services, hospitalization and death.
Promising prevention and response strategies include:
- professional awareness campaigns to help health care workers recognize elder abuse
- caregiver support to reduce stress and training on dementia
- residential care policies to define and improve standards of care.
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