scholarly journals Abuse of and Intervention for Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 86-86
Author(s):  
Pamela Teaster ◽  
Cory Bolkan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
The United States ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Adult Protective Services ◽  
Service Staff ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Beginning in the United States in 2020, SARS-CoV-2 lead to unprecedented changes in the lives of both younger and older people. Efforts to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, which included physical distancing and self-quarantine not only upended the lives of many people but also created natural laboratory conditions for the mistreatment of older adults. Exploring the mistreatment of older adults during the pandemic presented an unprecedented opportunity to examine perspectives of service providers and affected older adults. This symposium offers four perspectives on this subject. Dr. Karen Roberto and colleagues will present changes and challenges that COVID-19 brought for Adult Protectives Service staff and the vulnerable adults whom they serve. Ms. Lori Smetanka and colleagues will present changes and challenges that COVID-19 created for state and local Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Dr. Holly Ramsey-Klawsnik and Ms. Tammy Seaver will report on how the pandemic affected Nevada Adult Protective Services clients, casework, and staff. Finally, Dr. Pamela Teaster and colleagues will discuss how older adults experienced exploitation attempts during the early months of the pandemic. Dr. Cory Bolkan will begin the discussion, highlighting how conditions brought about by COVID-19 both enabled and thwarted efforts to address elder abuse.

scholarly journals Recognizing and Intervening on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation in the Age of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 73-73
Author(s):  
Pi-Ju Liu ◽  
Pamela Teaster
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Elder Mistreatment ◽  
Adult Protective Services ◽  
Age Related

Abstract The rapid outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a global pandemic. Public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing and self-quarantine, have drastically altered people’s lives and led to social isolation, financial instability, and disrupted access to healthcare and social services. Older adults have not only borne the brunt of the highest COVID-19 mortality rates, but recent studies also describe growing reports of elder mistreatment. It is necessary to attend to these age-related disparities during the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic and future health crises. This symposium includes four presentations on researchers’ findings in elder mistreatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. E-Shien Chang will compare prevalence of elder mistreatment before and since the pandemic, and highlight associated risk and protective factors during the pandemic. Dr. Lena Makaroun will examine changes in elder mistreatment risk factors among caregivers during the pandemic. Dr. Pamela Teaster will present Adult Protective Services’ (APS) policy and practice changes in response to the pandemic to demonstrate the pandemic’s impact on service providers. Lastly, Dr. Pi-Ju (Marian) Liu will appraise elder mistreatment victims’ awareness of COVID-19 and their unmet needs during the pandemic. Following the four presentations, Dr. Pamela Teaster will moderate a discussion on how elder mistreatment is a growing concern, especially during the pandemic, and what service providers are doing to protect older adults.

scholarly journals A Scoping Review of Financial Elder Exploitation Interventions

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 323-324
Author(s):  
Stephanie Skees
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Adult Protective Services ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Financial Exploitation ◽  
Attorneys General ◽  
Universal Definition ◽  
Mature Market

Abstract Elder financial exploitation (EFE), defined by the National Center for Elder Abuse (2021) as “the misappropriation of an older person’s money or property,” is a continuing public health crisis shown to cost individuals at least $2.9 billion a year (MetLife Mature Market Institute, 2011). Many believe this impact will increase exponentially due to the effects of COVID-19. In fact, a recent study conducted by Chang & Levy (2021) found that the prevalence of elder abuse as a whole increased from 1 in 10 older adults to 1 in 5 in the past year. Although increased collaboration between state attorneys general, Adult Protective Services, and financial institutions has driven progress in the field; there is still little known regarding EFE interventions. To address this issue, this study conducts a scoping review of the EFE intervention literature. This approach was chosen over a systematic review primarily due to the lack of a universal definition of EFE, as well as the limited number of studies available delineating between EFE and elder abuse as a whole. The main findings of the review reveal that current EFE intervention practices are focused on preventing abuse before it occurs by addressing risk factors for abuse in older adults; and are largely reliant on Adult Protective Services and the legal system. This finding is significant because state policies differ in their qualifications of EFE, thus leaving many older adults vulnerable and unprotected. Further interventions that address EFE while it is occurring and alignment across governing bodies are needed.

scholarly journals What Are the Most Distressing Aspects of Experiencing Elder Abuse? Findings From a Qualitative Study With Victims

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 327-328
Author(s):  
Jessica Hsieh ◽  
David Burnes ◽  
Clara Scher ◽  
Paula Zanotti ◽  
Chelsie Burchett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
The United States ◽  
Practice Research ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Adult Protective Services

Abstract Adult protective services and other community-based agencies respond to hundreds of thousands of elder abuse cases annually in the United States; however, few studies include elder abuse victims’ voices. This study explored the most distressing aspects of elder abuse, as identified by victims themselves; to date, this is the first known study on this topic. Guided by a phenomenological qualitative methodology, this study conducted in-person, semi-structured interviews with a sample of elder abuse victims (n = 30) recruited from a community-based elder abuse social service program in New York City. To enhance trustworthiness, two researchers independently analyzed transcript data to identify key transcript codes/themes. Distressing aspects of elder abuse were identified across three key domains, related to feelings of loss (50% of codes), threats/negative consequences (55%), and client-needs/system incongruity (14%). Specifically, the first theme represented outcomes related to loss of relationships (19% of ‘loss’ codes), personhood (16%), credibility (19%), faith/trust in others (38%), and finances (8%). The second theme looked at threats to physical self (34% of ‘threat’ codes), psyche (39%), and others, including the perpetrator (27%). The third theme focused on mismatches in client/system goals (50% of ‘incongruity’ codes) and legal system involvement (50%). The findings in this study provide a comprehensive and conceptually organized range of aspects to serve as infrastructure for the development of meaningful interventions to address the needs of victims. This study represents one of the largest efforts to understand and integrate the perspectives and needs of victims into elder abuse intervention practice/research to date.

scholarly journals Age Differences in Elder Abuse Harm and Effective Services Offered by Adult Protective Services

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 669-670
Author(s):  
Pi-Ju Liu ◽  
Zachary Hass ◽  
Karen Conrad ◽  
Sara Stratton ◽  
Kendon Conrad
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Adult Protective Services ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Type Of Abuse

Abstract In this study, abuse, exploitation, and neglect (ANE) harm was measured by type of abuse using standardized items from the Identification, Services, and Outcomes (ISO) Matrix before Adult Protective Services (APS) interventions (pretest) and after APS interventions (posttest). Change scores from 1,472 older adults (average age 78-year-old; 57% female) and 591 younger adults (average age 53-year-old; 46% female) served by APS during the six months showed reduction of harm using posttest minus pretest. Nonetheless, older adult’s financial abuse harm (pretest=2.2, posttest=1.5) was higher than younger adults’ (pretest=1.5, posttest=1.2), while young adults scored higher in harm on all other types of abuse. Effective interventions differ by age group and by type of abuse, and will be discussed in detail. Results demonstrate the importance to consider vulnerable adult’s age and the etiology of abuse before implementing the services needed to effectively address ANE harm.

scholarly journals Closing the Loop: An Environmental Scan of APS-Reporter Feedback Policies and Practices

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 939-939
Author(s):  
Olanike Ojelabi ◽  
Randi Campetti ◽  
Kathy Greenlee ◽  
Kristin Lees Haggerty
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
The United States ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Adult Protective Services ◽  
Environmental Scan ◽  
Early Results ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Closing The Loop ◽  
Mandated Reporters ◽  
Policies And Practices

Abstract Abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults are prevalent and underreported in the United States. Pathways to identifying and resolving cases of abuse against older adults depend on mandated and non-mandated reporters bringing attention to these cases through reports to Adult Protective Services (APS). However, existing research points to several barriers to reporting. One significant barrier is a lack of communication from APS to reporters about reports they have made (e.g., whether the report is appropriate for APS, the investigation outcome, and services provided by APS). This lack of reciprocal communication likely serves as a disincentive for future reporting. This study aims to promote improved communication between APS and reporters by examining the legal, ethical, and practical barriers and facilitators to communication at key points in the reporting and response pathways. In this first phase of the project, we conducted an environmental scan of policies and practices related to reporting, investigation, and feedback. Early results from the environmental scan suggest most APS agencies (81%) do not currently provide feedback to reporters. Among those providing feedback, 20% provide feedback only to mandated reporters, and 50% provide only procedural feedback, which focuses on the process of receiving and screening reports for investigation and not on the outcome of the investigation. In the next phase of this study, we will supplement these findings through interviews with APS leaders across the U.S. These early results will begin to fill an important gap in the understanding of feedback loops between APS and reporters.

scholarly journals Elder Abuse Victims During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Administrative Data From San Francisco Adult Protective Services

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 74-74
Author(s):  
Pi-Ju Liu ◽  
Aining Wang ◽  
Laura Schwab-Reese ◽  
Sara Stratton
Keyword(s):  
San Francisco ◽  
Emotional Abuse ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Estimation Method ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Adult Protective Services ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Medical Needs

Abstract This study examined elder mistreatment victims’ experiences at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. San Francisco Adult Protective Services (APS) caseworkers conducted phone interviews to inquire about clients’ awareness of COVID-19 and unmet needs. Nine-hundred-and-thirty-four (71%) of 1,313 APS’ past clients or their collaterals were interviewed, with 741 (79%) responding positively to COVID-19-awareness questions, and 697 (75%) having no unmet needs. Binary logistic regression with Firth adjusted maximum likelihood estimation method revealed that older persons (p < .05), self-neglectors (p < .05), and victims of neglect (p < .05) were less aware of COVID-19. Unmet needs varied by mistreatment type. Victims of isolation were more likely to have medical needs (p < .05), while victims of emotional abuse were more likely to report loneliness (p < .001). Collaboration between service providers is key in assisting victims experiencing unmet needs to live safely in a public health crisis.

scholarly journals Interprofessional Collaboration to Address Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation With Adult Protective Services

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 695-695
Author(s):  
Pi-Ju Liu ◽  
Bridget Penhale
Keyword(s):  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
The United States ◽  
Case Managers ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Team Work ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Job Responsibilities ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Adult Protective Services

Abstract Adult Protective Services (APS) is responsible for investigating reports of abuse, exploitation, and neglect among vulnerable adults. Additionally, APS also refers or provides needed services to victims. Though APS also takes the lead position in investigation and service planning, determining harm and designing person-centered remedies often require other professionals to be prepared to address these elder justice issues with APS. Afterall, adult safeguarding is everybody’s business. This symposium includes four presentations on researchers’ findings working with APS and other professionals. Dr. Burnes will compare outcomes on usual APS care (APS only) versus enhanced APS care (APS plus advocate who are case managers). Dr. Pi-Ju (Marian) Liu will examine nurses’ role in working in and with APS, focusing on how their job responsibilities are different from other nurses and APS social workers. Dr. Jason Burnett will present an innovative referral portal linking banks and other financial firms directly to APS. Lastly, Dr. Zachary Gassoumis will appraise the multidisciplinary teams across the country, including professionals involved, and provide input on what makes a team work well together. Following the four presentations, Dr. Bridget Penhale will open up the discussion regarding protective agencies’ operations and collaboration with other agencies, focusing on the comparison between protective agencies in the United States and European countries. Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of Elderly People Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.

scholarly journals Pathways to and Consequences of Surrogate Decision-Making for Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 702-702
Author(s):  
Pamela Teaster ◽  
Cory Bolkan ◽  
Shawn Meyers
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Surrogate Decision Making ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Older Americans ◽  
Adult Protective Services ◽  
Surrogate Decision Makers ◽  
Surrogate Decision

Abstract With a burgeoning aging population, there is a growing need for surrogate decision makers, yet oversight of and guidance for them remains inadequate. People needing surrogate decision makers are an especially vulnerable population because they rely on others for care and/or are unable to advocate for themselves. Their vulnerability leaves them susceptible to elder abuse (e.g., physical, sexual, psychological abuse; active and passive neglect; financial exploitation), which affects approximately five million older Americans each year. Personal, financial, and societal impacts can be devastating and are estimated to cost billions annually. The issue of abuse, neglect and exploitation by surrogates has been highly visible nationally, evidence indicates that some surrogate decision makers perpetrate abuse. One purpose of this symposium is to discuss ways in which surrogates do and do not make decisions for older adults. Ramsey-Klawsnik and Burnett present data at the systemic level to illustrate how self-neglect sequelae can result in placement under surrogate decision-making authority of either well-intended or opportunistic others. Bolkan, Teaster, Ramsey-Klawsnik, and Gerow present findings from a six-state study on surrogate decision maker victims and perpetrators who were substantiated in Adult Protective Services cases. Zhao, Katz, and Teaster show, using a survey of M-Turk participants, how a general population makes and is comfortable with surrogate decisions. Discussant Shawn Meyers will pull together the findings by exploring their translation to judicial best practices for making determinations regarding surrogate decision makers and the effects of their decisions on the surrogate as well as collaterals.

scholarly journals Person-Centered Health Care: An Approach That Integrates Acute and Long-Term Care

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 704-704
Author(s):  
Yuchi Young ◽  
Barbara Resnick
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Population ◽  
Term Care ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Aged Society

Abstract The world population is aging. The proportion of the population over 60 will nearly double from 12% in 2015 to 22% in 2050. Global life expectancy has more than doubled from 31 years in 1900 to 72.6 years in 2019. The need for long-term care (LTC) services is expanding with the same rapidity. A comprehensive response is needed to address the needs of older adults. Learning from health systems in other countries enables health systems to incorporate best long-term care practices to fit each country and its culture. This symposium aims to compare long-term care policies and services in Taiwan, Singapore, and the USA where significant growth in aging populations is evidenced. In 2025, the aging population will be 20% in Taiwan, 20% in Singapore and 18 % in the USA. In the case of Taiwan, it has moved from aging society status to aged society, and to super-aged society in 27 years. Such accelerated rate of aging in Taiwan is unparalleled when compared to European countries and the United States. In response to this dramatic change, Taiwan has passed long-term care legislation that expands services to care for older adults, and developed person-centered health care that integrates acute and long-term care services. Some preliminary results related to access, care and patterns of utilization will be shared in the symposium. International Comparisons of Healthy Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.

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