Table of Contents

About This Course

1. Introduction to Elder Abuse
2. The Basics of Elder Abuse
3. Substance Use and Other Risk Factors
4. Screening and Assessment
5. Intervention and Treatment
6. Preventing Elder Abuse

Supplements
Case Studies
References
Resources

Out of the Shadows
Uncovering Substance Use and Elder Abuse

What Is Screening and Assessment?

The goal of screening for elder abuse is to identify who is experiencing abuse, reduce or eliminate the risk of continuing abuse, and protect the individual. Screening can actually prevent the initiation or escalation of elder abuse. Yet, recognizing mistreatment is often difficult because elder abuse is hard to diagnose. Assessment is a broad-based concept that includes diagnosis and screening.

Because of the link between substance abuse and elder abuse, cross-training can help elder abuse workers learn how to identify the problem and their role in substance abuse interventions and help substance abuse providers learn the dynamics of elder abuse. Screening for alcohol use in the context of elder abuse, and screening for elder abuse in the context of alcohol or substance abuse, creates a proactive process conducive to prevention and treatment.

Health and medical providers often are the first to observe abuse and neglect. Yet, physicians may miss or choose not to report elder abuse for many reasons.ref Self-reporting is unreliable. The stigma of abuse may make older adults, family members, and providers uncomfortable when addressing the signs and symptoms.

Although more research is needed to completely understand the risk factors and causes, routine screening is a vital first line of defense.