Every person—no matter how young or old—deserves to be safe from harm by those who live with them, care for them, or come in day-to-day contact with them. The mistreatment of elders is of special consideration to helping professionals. This training will explore the nature of elder mistreatment and abuse, including types and explanations. Cultural influences will be discussed related to the occurrences and responses to mistreatment. Case vignettes will highlight specific client situations for practitioners to assess from cultural and ethical perspectives.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify, explore, and classify types of elder mistreatment and appropriate screening considerations.
- Examine the role of culture and ethics in elder mistreatment case studies.
- Describe and implement culturally informed prevention and intervention strategies for reducing and addressing elder mistreatment and abuse.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Understanding Elder Abuse and Culture
- Define elder abuse and key types of mistreatment
- Define culture and its relevance to elder care and perceptions of abuse
- Identify reasons older adults may not report abuse
Objective #2: Key Statistics and Contextual Risk Factors
- Review prevalence and underreporting statistics of elder abuse
- Examine contextual factors such as dependency, shame, and lack of awareness
- Recognize emotional and psychological consequences for victims
Objective #3: Categories and Types of Abuse
- Physical, emotional, sexual abuse
- Neglect, abandonment, self-neglect
- Financial exploitation and institutional abuse
Objective #4: Screening and Assessment Tools
- Introduce tools such as EASI, VASS, and EAI
- Identify red flags in behavior and appearance of older adults
- Assess elder mistreatment using observation and direct questions
Objective #5: Understanding Offender Types and Caregiver Burden
- Define types of offenders: overwhelmed, narcissistic, bullying, impaired, sadistic
- Explore the Overburdened Caregiver Model
- Differentiate between objective and subjective caregiver burden
Objective #6: Ethical Issues in Elder Mistreatment
- Autonomy, informed consent, capacity, and confidentiality
- Cultural and personal values impacting clinical judgment
- Self-assessment of ageist attitudes and ethical biases
Objective #7: Cultural Considerations and Help-Seeking Behavior
- Explore the role of language, accessibility, and stigma
- Understand differing definitions and perceptions of abuse across cultures
- Recognize mistrust of formal systems and legal authorities
Objective #8: Case Vignettes and Cultural Examples
- Analyze case examples involving culturally influenced elder mistreatment
- Explore scenarios such as intergenerational living stress, cultural hierarchies, and neglect
- Highlight how family norms and values shape elder care dynamics
Objective #9: Culturally Sensitive Assessment and Practice
- Use behavioral rather than judgmental language in assessment
- Incorporate collectivist vs. individualist family frameworks
- Apply tools such as the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) and Culturagram
Objective #10: Ethical Practice and Promoting Self-Determination
- Encourage elder involvement in decision-making
- Balance independence, physical safety, and cultural values
- Respect the least restrictive alternatives and the elder’s voice in intervention planning
Objective #11: Reporting and Professional Responsibilities
- Guidelines for referring to Adult Protective Services (APS)
- Address practitioner reluctance to report and safety concerns
- Recognize clinician responsibilities despite reporting challenges
Resources and Continued Learning
- National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) and relevant organizations
- Screening tools, case study materials, and culturally informed resources
- Video links and client handouts for educational use
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Ethics asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Ethics continuing education training.
Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: 3/14/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Ethics continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com