An analysis of elder abuse rates in Milwaukee County. WMJ 2011 Dec;110(6):271-6
Date
02/14/2012Pubmed ID
22324203Pubmed Central ID
PMC3921019Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84855264322 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 17 CitationsAbstract
INTRODUCTION: The elder abuse and neglect burden in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, is substantial, with 3384 reports made from 2006 to 2009. Current prevalence estimates are determined from reported cases only and are likely underestimated. Provider awareness of victim and perpetrator characteristics is necessary to increase recognition and response.
METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of elder abuse and neglect cases reported to the Milwaukee County Department on Aging (MCDA) from 2006 to 2009 was performed to provide a profile of the county's elder abuse burden by victim, perpetrator, and reporter characteristics. Annual reporting trends were identified using Poisson regression analysis.
RESULTS: Fifty-eight percent of MCDA reports of abuse were substantiated after investigation. Victims in Milwaukee County tended to be older than 75 (64%), female (64%), and white (62%). Reporting rates to the MCDA were significantly lower in 2009 than 2006. Perpetrators were often adult children (48%) or a spouse (14%). Forty percent of life-threatening cases of self-neglect were due to unfulfilled medical needs. Most reports were made by medical professionals (23%), relatives of the victim (21%), and community agencies (18%). Only 13% of elder abuse victims were placed in nursing homes and assisted living centers; many received services to assist independent living.
DISCUSSION: Although this study is limited to reported cases only, it provides a valuable profile of pertinent elder abuse characteristics in Milwaukee County.
CONCLUSION: Characteristics of vulnerable elders, potential abusers, and investigation outcomes are described to inform clinical practice about this important social issue.
Author List
Thomson MJ, Lietzau LK, Doty MM, Cieslik L, Williams R, Meurer LNAuthor
Linda N. Meurer MD, MPH Professor in the Family Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AgedAged, 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Elder Abuse
Female
Humans
Incidence
Male
Poisson Distribution
Prevalence
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors
Urban Population
Wisconsin