Improving the Identification of and Responses to Victims of Elder Mistreatment.

Abstract

Elder mistreatment-which includes physical, psychological, and sexual abuse; fraud and financial exploitation; and neglect of older individuals-is a serious public health issue and a growing area of concern as the percentage of the U.S. population age 60 and older continues to rise. Medical, financial, legal, and social service providers who come into contact with older adults can be well positioned to identify persons at risk for or experiencing elder mistreatment and connect them with service providers to address their needs. However, these service providers require tools and training to identify elder mistreatment. Once victims or at-risk individuals are identified, there are also challenges with how best to intervene and provide victims with effective support and services. To explore these challenges and potential solutions, RAND and RTI International convened an expert panel in 2023 to identify knowledge and resource gaps and explore strategies to improve the identification of and responses to elder mistreatment. The workshop participants identified the highest-priority needs in this area, including research to support evidence-based, holistic, and culturally appropriate approaches, while also supporting the widespread adoption of effective programs to reach the greatest number of older adults who have been victimized.