ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the factors which contribute to the abuse and neglect of the elderly by caregivers in a domestic setting. The selection of elder abuse/neglect as a priority area by Administration on Aging was in response to the concern of the public and legislators about reports of mistreatment and violence in the older population. The literature on child abuse and spouse abuse indicates that externally imposed stresses are a significant factor. Isolation has been found to be a characteristic of abusers and families in child abuse and spouse abuse cases. It is hard to determine, however, whether isolation is an antecedent or precedent factor in abuse cases. Data on caregivers and abusers included sociodemographic characteristics, social supports, the relationship of the caregiver to the elder clients, the existence of problems related to health, psychological functioning, substance abuse, significant losses, finances, and recent life changes.
