NCJ Number
145892
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (1993) Pages: 57-76
Date Published
1993
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article presents the findings of a survey that examined the responses to elder abuse of 175 service providers in Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
The research was conducted in 1990-91 in two local government areas in northern Sydney. In these areas, 12.7 percent of the population is 65 years old and older. Researchers mailed the questionnaire to local service providers likely to have elderly persons as clients, including general medical practitioners and professionals that provide community services for the elderly. The questionnaire focused on the number of identified cases of elder abuse, the types of abuse or neglect reported, the actions taken by the respondent, and their assessment of abuse causes. Thirty-two percent of respondents had encountered cases of physical, psychological, or financial abuse of persons 65 years old and older. Community nurses and social/welfare workers were particularly likely to have encountered abuse of the elderly. The findings show that coordination between health, welfare, and criminal justice agencies needs improvement. Policies to address elder abuse and neglect in Australia are in their early stages of formulation and application. Governments should give priority to the training of professionals to identify and respond to elderly abuse. The development of guidelines for intervention would provide the foundation for uniform training. 7 tables and 32 references