Veterans Experiencing Elder Abuse: Improving Care of a High-Risk Population About Which Little Is Known. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • At least 10% of older adults experience abuse, neglect, or exploitation annually in the United States, and this problem is expected to grow as our population ages. Little is known about the prevalence and characteristics of elder abuse of veterans, but it is likely that this population is at high risk based on established elder abuse risk factors. Veterans who receive their care through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) have a higher prevalence of poor psychological health, poor physical health, functional impairment, cognitive impairment, and social isolation than the general population. As the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, the VHA has long been a leader in the development of innovative, integrated care programs for older adults. The VHA has another opportunity to lead by promoting research, clinical care, and education on elder abuse, furthering their mission of serving those who served. This article outlines the rationale for developing a research agenda for elder abuse in the VHA, as well as potential first steps toward understanding more about this complex problem affecting veterans.

publication date

  • November 10, 2017

Research

keywords

  • Elder Abuse
  • Veterans
  • Vulnerable Populations

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC5809269

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85041949972

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1007/978-3-319-27580-2_12

PubMed ID

  • 29124741

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 66

issue

  • 2