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Abuse, neglect, and exploitation: considerations in aging with lifelong disabilities
- Authors:
- ANSELLO Edward F., O'NEILL Peggy
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 22(1-2), January 2010, pp.105-130.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This article reviews existing data primarily from North America, but including Australia and Ireland, for factors known to contribute to the victimisation of older adults with lifelong learning disabilities. Many “are relatively high functioning, engaged and happy members of their communities”, but some, are or have been abused, neglected or subject to exploitation, and the prevalence of such maltreatment is discussed. Existing data is also scanned for the treatments currently in practice and the authors suggest initiatives to build further on continued community living, by improving upon preventive practices and identification techniques. The authors discuss why there greater risk of abuse for those with lifelong disabilities and why these are underreported. Consequences of maltreatment are listed, followed by the issues and needs of family carers, such as the lack of long-term planning until crisis point. The authors suggest recommendations for practice, such as adapting mental health interventions, and implications for public policies on prevention and identification.