Opportunities for prevention of domestic neglect and abuse of the elderly.

Recent research has demonstrated that domestic neglect and abuse of the elderly is not uncommon in the United States. It is a social problem that has not been extensively researched, however. One of the few studies, conducted in Michigan, found that the oldest and most frail elderly were a target group of elevated risk. Victims of neglect or abusive tend to be living with adult children or other informal caretakers who become neglectful or abuse when the burdens of providing care for a frail, elderly person interact with stress, little or no preparation for providing personal care over a long time span, medical problems of the caretaker, alcohol abuse, financial difficulties, and other situational factors. Family histories of neglect or abuse and other causal hypotheses have also been investigated. Recent studies are reviewed and found to be in general agreement regarding the nature and apparent dynamics of this emerging problem among the elderly. Opportunities for prevention are discussed in terms of current models of service to the aging and redirection of other public health and social services.