273354 Public health efforts to prevent elder abuse: Understanding the contexts of action

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Mary Twomey, MSW , Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse at the University of California Irvine, National Center on Elder Abuse, Orange, CA
Elder Abuse is a public health problem. As the number of public health professionals embracing this idea and beginning to explore ways to contribute to elder abuse prevention continues to increase, it becomes increasingly important that interested parties be provided opportunities to develop a solid understanding of the context in which elder abuse prevention occurs. Such an understanding is required to 1) identify competencies, resources, and relationships needed to assure the success of any initiatives or strategies created to facilitate elder abuse prevention; 2) devise plans for resolving or contending with problems that can influence the course and pace of activities to develop or implement prevention activities; and 3) prepare for and adapt to changes that may impact the content, context, and performance of individual roles and organizational functions. In response to this need, this presentation describes the historical, social, and political, contexts of elder abuse prevention. In addition, the presentation describes economic and socio-demographic trends that have or could influence the types and levels of prevention-related contributions that may be feasible for elder abuse stakeholders (including those affiliated with public health). Other topics covered will include the Elder Justice Movement and the significance of multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary efforts.

Learning Objectives:
Describe five distinct yet interrelated contexts for work to prevent elder abuse. Examine how features of and factors within these contexts will or may influence public health’s current and potential contributions to elder abuse prevention List and evaluate the types of assets needed to increase the viability, effectiveness, and sustainability of initiatives and strategies aimed at preventing or stopping elder abuse.

Keywords: Violence, Elderly

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a researcher and practitioner who specializes in topics on elder abuse and neglect. I am currently Co-Director, Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse at UC Irvine and the National Center on Elder Abuse.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.