Abstract:
This report contains information on (1) existing estimates of the extent of elder abuse and their quality, (2) factors associated with elder abuse and its impact on victims, (3) characteristics and challenges of state Adult Protective Services (APS) responsible for addressing elder abuse, and (4) federal support and leadership in this area. To obtain this information, GAO reviewed relevant research; visited six states and surveyed state APS programs; analyzed budgetary and other federal documents; reviewed federal laws and regulations; and interviewed federal officials, researchers, and elder abuse experts. [We find that] existing research underestimates, and cannot be used to track trends in, the full extent of elder abuse; elder abuse is associated with a number of risk factors and has a significant impact on its victims; nationwide, state APS programs fact significant challenges; [and] federal elder justice activities have provided some support to APS, but federal leadership is lacking. (Author text)