The Gerontologist, Vol 35, Issue 5 666-671, Copyright © 1995 by The Gerontological Society of America
When seniors are abused: an intervention model
M Reis and D Nahmiash
Centre for Research in Human Development, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
An intervention model to combat abuse/neglect of seniors is outlined in
this article. Central model elements are: (a) a "tool package"; (b) teams
to design and execute intervention strategies, and advise on health,
financial, and criminal/legal problems; (c) "volunteer buddies" to listen,
monitor for abuse, and assist; (d) a victims' empowerment group; and (e) a
community abuse committee for community advocacy/education. Three
innovative elements, the tool package, volunteer buddies, and the
empowerment group, are described in greater detail. Strengths of the model
include its low additional cost; multidisciplinary, collaborative approach;
use of validated abuse screens; evaluation of intervention strategies; and
diversity of intervention elements.
