Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Aging: Caring for Our Elders pp 203–218Cite as

The Abuse and Neglect of the Elderly

  • Chapter

Part of the book series: International Library of Ethics, Law, and the New Medicine ((LIME,volume 11))

Abstract

The abuse and neglect of the elderly have been of growing concern to advocacy groups, researchers, policy-makers, and legislators in many countries since the mid 1970s. The “discovery” of abuse and neglect among seniors — more correctly its elevation to a higher position on social policy agendas — is often said to be a byproduct of the interest in family violence that began in the 1960s (see, e.g., Quinn and Tomita 1997). First child abuse, and then spousal violence, became important social problems that attracted the interest of academics and policy-makers, as well as funding for both research and various remedial programs (Kurrle 1993a; Hudson 1986; Steinmetz 1977; 1978). And as researchers probed these forms of family violence they uncovered abuse and neglect perpetrated against older members of society.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Aitken, L., and G. Griffin. 1997. Gender issues in elder abuse. London: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anetzberger, G.J. 1987. The etiology of elder abuse by adult offspring. Springfield: Charles C. Thomas.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anetzberger, G.J., J.E. Korbin, and C. Austin. 1994. Alcoholism and elder abuse. Journal of Interpersonal Violence 2: 184–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ansello, E.F. 1996. Causes and theories. In Abuse, neglect and exploitation of older persons: Strategies for assessment and intervention, eds. A. Baumhover, and S.C. Beal, 9–29. Baltimore: Health Professions Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baladerian, N.J. 1997. Recognizing abuse and neglect in people with severe cognitive and/or communication impairments. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect 9 (2): 93–104.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barron, B., A. Cran, J. Flitcroft, J. McDermott, and M. Montague. 1990. No innocent bystanders: A study of abuse of older people in the community. Melbourne: Office of the Public Advocate, Victoria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barak, G. 1998. Integrating criminologies. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beaulieu, M., and L. Belanger. 1995. Intervention in long-term care institutions with respect to elder mistreatment. In Abuse and neglect of older Canadians: Strategies for change, ed. M.J. MacLean, 27–40. Toronto: Thompson Educational Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beaulieu, M., S. Gravel, and M. Lithwick. 1999. Older adult mistreatment: dynamics in personal relationships. G.R.C. News 17 (4): 8–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bennett, G., P. Kingston, and B. Penhale. 1997. The dimensions of elder abuse: Perspectives for practitioners. London: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biggs, S., C. Phillipson, and P. Kingston. 1995. Elder abuse in perspective. Buckingham: Open University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Block, M.R., and J.D. Sinnott, eds. 1979. The battered elder syndrome: An exploratory study. College Park, Md: University of Maryland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyd, N. 1998. Gently into the night: Aggression in long-term care. Vancouver: Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bradshaw, D., and C. Spencer. 1999. The role of alcohol in elder abuse cases. In Elder abuse work: Best practice in Britain and Canada, ed. J. Pritchard, 332 - 53. London: Jessica Kingsley Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Breckman, R and R. Adelman. 1988. Strategies for helping victims of elder mistreatment. London: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bridges, S., D. Knopman, and T. Thompson. 1994. Descriptive study of physically aggressive behaviour in dementia by direct observation. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 42 (2): 192–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brill, D. 1999. Safeguarding the financial interests of vulnerable seniors. Perth: Office of the Public Advocate, Western Australia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brownell, P. 1997. The application of the culturagram in cross-cultural practice with elder abuse victims. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect 9 (2): 19–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brownell, P. 1998. Family crimes against the elderly: Elder abuse and the criminal justice system. New York: Garland Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen-Mansfield, J., M. Marx, and P. Werner. 1992. Agitation in elderly persons: An integrative report of findings in a nursing home. International Psychogeriatrics 4: 221–40.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cox, C. 1993. Dealing with the aggressive nursing home resident. Journal of Gerontological Social Work 19: 179–92.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cyphers, G.C. 1999. Out of the shadows: Elder abuse and neglect. Policy and Practice 57(3): 25–31. Dunn, P.F. 1993. The “Getting of Elder abuse on the agenda.” Paper read at Crime and Older People Conference, Australian Institute of Criminology, Adelaide, February.

    Google Scholar 

  • Einstadter, W., and S. Henry. 1995. Criminological theory: An analysis of its underlying assumptions. Orlando: Harcourt Brace.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glendenning, F. 1993. What is elder abuse and neglect? In The mistreatment of elderly people, ed.s P. Declamer, and F. Glendenning, 1–34. London: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glendenning, F. 1993a. The mistreatment and neglect of elderly people in residential centres: research outcomes. In The mistreatment of elderly people, eds. P. Declamer, and F. Glendenning, 151–62. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Green, D. 1992. Maltreatment and neglect of older people-construction of a social issue. Paper presented at the Aged Care Association Conference, Melbourne, November.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, R.M. 1992. Material abuse and powers of attorney in Canada: A preliminary examination. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect 4 (2): 173–93.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, R.M., and S.N. Verdun-Jones. 1992. Adult guardianship law in Canada. Toronto: Carswell Thomson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hudson, M.F. 1986. Elder neglect and abuse: Current research. In Elder abuse: Conflict in the family, eds. K.A. Pillemer, and R.S. Wolf, 125–66. Dover, Mass: Auburn.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hudson, M.F., and J. R. Carlson. 1998. Elder abuse: Expert and public perspectives on its meaning. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect 9 (4): 77–97.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hudson, M.F., W.D. Armachain, C.M. Beasley, and J.R. Carlson. 1998. Elder abuse: two native American views. Jo Elder Abuse and Neglect, Vol. 9 (5): 538–48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kosberg, J.I. 1983. Abuse and maltreatment of the elderly. Boston: John Wright-PSG.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kosberg, J.I. 1988. Preventing elder abuse: Identification of high risk factors prior to placement decisions. Gerontologist 28 (1): 43–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kosberg, J.I. 1998. The abuse of elderly men. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect 9 (3): 69–88.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kosberg, I.I., and D. Nahmiash. 1996. Characteristics of victims and perpetrators and milieus of abuse and neglect. In Abuse, neglect and exploitation of older persons: Strategies for assessment and intervention, eds. Baumhover, L.A. and S.C. Beal, 31–49. Baltimore: Health Professions Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kurrle, S. 1993a. Elder abuse: A hidden problem. Modern Medicine Australia. Vol. 36 (9): 62–73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kosberg, J.I. 1993b. Responding to elder abuse-a follow up study of interventions and outcomes. Australian Journal on Aging Vol. 12 (4): 14–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kurrle, S., P. Sadler, K. Lockwood, and I. Cameron. 1997. Elder abuse: Prevalence, intervention and outcomes in patients referred to four Aged Care Assessment Teams. Medical Journal of Australia 116: 25–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lock, C. 1996. The South Australian elder protection programme. In Confronting abuse: The way forward, N.S.W. Advisory Committee on Abuse of Older People, 38–45. Sydney: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malloy, W., and P. Caldwell. 1998. Alzheimer’s disease. Toronto: Key Porter Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCallum, J. 1993. Elder abuse: The “new” social problem? Modern Medicine Australia 36 (9): 74–83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pillemer, K., and D. Finkelhor. 1985. Domestic violence against the elderly: A discussion paper. Washington: Surgeon General.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pillemer, K., and D. Finkelhor. 1988. The prevalence of elder abuse: A random sample survey. Gerontologist 28 (1): 51–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pillemer, K.A., and R.S. Wolf, eds. 1986. Elder abuse and neglect: Conflict in the family. Dover: Auburn. Podnieks, E., K.A. Pillemer, J.P. Nicholson, T. Shillington, and A.F. Frizzell. 1990. National survey on abuse of the elderly in Canada. Toronto: Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pritchard, J., ed. 1999. Elder abuse work: Best practice in Britain and Canada. London: Jessica Kingsley Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quinn, M.J., and S.K. Tomita. 1997 ). Elder abuse and neglect: Causes, diagnosis, and intervention strategies. (2td edition). New York: Springer Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rathbone-McCuan, E., and D. R. Fabian, eds. 1992. Self-neglecting elders: A clinical dilemma. Westport, Ct.: Greenwood Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reis, M., and D. Nahmiash. 1995. When seniors are abused. Toronto: Captus Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shell, D. 1982. Protection of the elderly: A study of elder abuse. Winnipeg: Manitoba Council on Aging. Spencer, C. 1995. New directions for research on interventions with abused older adults. In Abuse and neglect of older Canadians: Strategies for change, ed. M. MacLean, 143–58. Toronto: Thompson Educational Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spencer, C. 1996. Diminishing returns: An examination of financial responsibility, decision-making and financial abuse among older adults in British Columbia. Vancouver: Gerontology Research Centre, Simon Fraser University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steinmetz, S.K. 1977. The cycle of violence: Assertive aggressive and abusive family interaction. New York: Praeger Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steinmetz, S.K. 1978. Battered parents. Society 15 (15): 54–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steinmetz, S.K. 1981. Elder abuse. Aging (Jan-Feb): 315-6(Jan), 6–10(Feb).

    Google Scholar 

  • Stratigos, S. 1994. Elder abuse: A feminist perspective. In Inkwel, No. 2. O’Connor, A.C.T.: Women’s Electoral Lobby.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tatara, T., ed. 1999. Understanding elder abuse in minority populations. Philadelphia: Brunner, Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • United States Senate Committee on Aging. 1974. Nursing home care in the United States: A failure in public policy. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • United States Senate Committee on Aging., 1986. Nursing home care: The unfinished agenda. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • United States House Select Committee on Aging. 1980. Elder abuse: An examination of a hidden problem. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vladeck, B.C. 1980. Unloving care: Thé nursing home tragedy. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolf, R. S., M.A. Godkin, and K.A. Pillemer. 1986. Maltreatment of the elderly: A comparative analysis. Pride Institute Journal of Long Term Home Health Care 5(4): 10–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolf, R.S., and K.A. Pillemer. 1989. Helping elderly victims: The reality of elderly abuse. New York: Columbia University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yin, P. 1985. Victimization and the aged. Springfield: Charles C. Thomas.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, Canada

    Robert M. Gordon (Professor and Director)

  2. Ministry of Police, Sydney, Australia

    Deborah Brill (Senior Policy Analyst)

Authors
  1. Robert M. Gordon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Deborah Brill
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculté de Médicine, Université de Montréal, Canada

    David N. Weisstub (Philippe Pinel Professor of Legal Psychiatry and Biomedical Ethics) (Philippe Pinel Professor of Legal Psychiatry and Biomedical Ethics)

  2. Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy, Loyola University of Chicago Medical Center, USA

    David C. Thomasma (Professor and Fr. English Chair of Medical Ethics) (Professor and Fr. English Chair of Medical Ethics)

  3. Centre for Studies on Aging, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Canada

    Serge Gauthier (Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry) (Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry)

  4. Faculty of Law, University of Sydney, Australia

    George F. Tomossy (Ross Waite Parsons Scholar) (Ross Waite Parsons Scholar)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2001 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Gordon, R.M., Brill, D. (2001). The Abuse and Neglect of the Elderly. In: Weisstub, D.N., Thomasma, D.C., Gauthier, S., Tomossy, G.F. (eds) Aging: Caring for Our Elders. International Library of Ethics, Law, and the New Medicine, vol 11. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0675-9_13

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0675-9_13

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-90-481-5897-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-017-0675-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation