New Study Reveals Risk Factors for Elder Abuse

 Posted on September 15, 2021 in Nursing Home Abuse

Elder abuse is a disturbingly common problem in the United States, and as time goes on, we continue to learn more about its far-reaching effects. A study published last month in JAMA Network Open provides new insights into the prevalence of elder abuse and mistreatment, as well as the populations who may be most at risk of abuse. The findings may have important implications for elder abuse intervention and prevention and may help you stay aware of the risks of elder abuse for you and your loved ones, especially those who live in a nursing home facility.

Studying Older Adults Over Time

For the recently published study, researchers from Cornell University and the University of Toronto conducted two sets of interviews, spaced ten years apart, with the same population of adults over the age of 60. Their objective was to not only gauge the prevalence of elder mistreatment among this population during the ten year period, but also to identify common risk factors among those who were affected.

In total, the study included over 600 participants, with around 60 percent participating in both interviews. The researchers found that between 2009 and 2019, 11.4 percent of the participants experienced some form of elder mistreatment. The most common form of mistreatment reported was financial abuse, followed by emotional abuse, physical abuse, and neglect.

The researchers also identified three factors that were more prevalent among those participants who experienced mistreatment throughout the course of the study. First, participants who reported that they were in poor health in 2009 were more likely to have experienced mistreatment by 2019. Second, mistreatment was more common among those participants who transitioned from living with other people to living alone between 2009 and 2019. Third, Black participants were at greater risk of mistreatment than those in other demographic groups.

Addressing Elder Abuse

Given the effects of elder abuse on those in poor health, the researchers suggest that healthcare providers can play an important role in looking for signs of abuse and helping victims get assistance. Unfortunately, however, care providers at nursing homes and assisted living facilities are sometimes the perpetrators of elder abuse. If you have a family member who has recently moved into a care facility or who relies on caretakers to provide for their health needs, it is a good idea to look out for signs of abuse yourself. If you suspect that your loved one is being mistreated, you should report it to public health authorities and consider consulting with an attorney who can help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

Contact a Chicago Elder Abuse Attorney

At Schwartz Injury Law, we recognize the dangers of abuse for nursing home residents and all elderly Americans, and we are committed to helping victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been harmed by elder abuse, we can help you recover financial compensation for the damages you have suffered. To schedule a free consultation with a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer, contact us today at 312-535-4625.

Sources:

https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2021/08/more-10-older-adults-risk-elder-abuse

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2782989?resultClick=1