Elder Abuse
Conclusion
That family members can be abusive or neglectful toward their elders even in societies that emphasize filial piety and family harmony came as a revelation to the world. A quarter century of efforts to deal with the problem in the United States has built an infrastructure based on a model in which protective service personnel respond to reports of abuse by conducting investigations and devising follow-up treatment plans, but primary prevention techniques have received little attention in other developed countries. Families in the developing world face still more severe challenges, including forced emigration, economic recession, and changing characteristics. The process of industrialization has eroded long-standing patterns of interdependence between the generations, producing material and emotional hardships for elders. However, with increasing interest around the globe in human rights, gender equality, and violence prevention, the future augers well for bringing an end to this age old problem.
See also: CAREGIVING: INFORMAL; DEMENTIA; ELDERS; FILIAL RESPONSIBILITY; INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONS; LATER LIFE FAMILIES; RESPITE CARE: ADULT; SPOUSE ABUSE: PREVALENCE; SPOUSE ABUSE: THEORETICAL EXPLANATIONS; STRESS; SUBSTITUTE CAREGIVERS
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ROSALIE S. WOLF
Additional topics
Marriage and Family EncyclopediaFamily Social IssuesElder Abuse - Definition, Prevalence, Theoretical Explanations And Risk Factors, Consequences Of Mistreatment, Intervention Strategies, Conclusion