Application of multiple data sources for estimating prevalence of elder abuse

Background Elder abuse is a significant public health problem. Efforts to establish prevalence have been undermined by vague definitions of abuse, differing methodologies, and a failure to integrate information about abuse of elders living in their own homes with abuse that occurs in long-term care and crimes against older adults. Methods This presentation will argue that, because of the unique nature of elder abuse, data from multiple sources is necessary to obtain a true estimate of the scope of such abuse. The data for this study are taken from the Michigan Survey of Households with Family Members Receiving Long-Term Care Services (MLTCS), state police records of crimes against older adults, and institutional records of abuse in nursing homes. Results Various forms of abuse clearly take place at different rates within long-term facilities. As with prior research, physical abuse (4.7%) and sexual abuse (0.9%) occur least frequently, while verbal (12.5%) and emotional (14.0%) abuse, as well as neglect (16.5%), occur most frequently. According to police records, the State of Michigan had an overall physical abuse rate for the older adult population of 0.2%. The sexual abuse rate was 0.01%, and the financial abuse rate was 0.9%. Review of nursing home records indicates that reports of abuse increased by over 50% between 2004 and 2005. Conclusions Results will be discussed in light of the strengths and weaknesses of each data source and the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and preventing elder abuse.