Peterson JC, Burnes DP, Caccamise PL, Mason A, Henderson CR, Wells MT, Berman J, Cook AM, Shukoff D, Brownell P, Powell M, Salamone A, Pillemer KA, Lachs MS. Financial exploitation of older adults: a population-based prevalence study.
J Gen Intern Med 2014;
29:1615-23. [PMID:
25103121 PMCID:
PMC4242880 DOI:
10.1007/s11606-014-2946-2]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Financial exploitation is the most common and least studied form of elder abuse. Previous research estimating the prevalence of financial exploitation of older adults (FEOA) is limited by a broader emphasis on traditional forms of elder mistreatment (e.g., physical, sexual, emotional abuse/neglect).
OBJECTIVES
1) estimate the one-year period prevalence and lifetime prevalence of FEOA; 2) describe major FEOA types; and 3) identify factors associated with FEOA.
DESIGN
Prevalence study with a random, stratified probability sample.
PARTICIPANTS
Four thousand, one hundred and fifty-six community-dwelling, cognitively intact adults age ≥ 60 years.
SETTING
New York State.
MAIN MEASURES
Comprehensive tool developed for this study measured five FEOA domains: 1) stolen or misappropriated money/property; 2) coercion resulting in surrendering rights/property; 3) impersonation to obtain property/services; 4) inadequate contributions toward household expenses, but respondent still had enough money for necessities and 5) respondent was destitute and did not receive necessary assistance from family/friends.
KEY RESULTS
One-year period FEOA prevalence was 2.7% (95% CI, 2.29-3.29) and lifetime prevalence was 4.7% (95% CI, 4.05-5.34). Greater relative risk (RR) of one-year period prevalence was associated with African American/black race (RR, 3.80; 95 % CI, 1.11-13.04), poverty (RR, 1.72; 95 % CI, 1.09-2.71), increasing number of non-spousal household members (RR, 1.16; 95 % CI, 1.06-1.27), and ≥ 1 instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) impairments (RR, 1.69; 95 % CI, 1.12-2.53). Greater RR of lifetime prevalence was associated with African American/black race (RR, 2.61; 95 % CI, 1.37-4.98), poverty (RR, 1.47; 95 % CI, 1.04-2.09), increasing number of non-spousal household members (RR, 1.16; 95 % CI, 1.12-1.21), and having ≥1 IADL (RR, 1.45; 95 % CI, 1.11-1.90) or ≥1 ADL (RR, 1.52; 95 % CI, 1.06-2.18) impairment. Living with a spouse/partner was associated with a significantly lower RR of lifetime prevalence (RR, 0.39; 95 % CI, 0.26-0.59) CONCLUSIONS: Financial exploitation of older adults is a common and serious problem. Elders from groups traditionally considered to be economically, medically, and sociodemographically vulnerable are more likely to self-report financial exploitation.
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