A First (and Disturbing) Look at the Relationship Between the Opioid Epidemic and Elder Abuse: Insights of Human Service Professionals

This study explored the relationship between the opioid epidemic and elder abuse. Twenty professionals from four states with working knowledge of elder abuse cases participated in focus groups. Thematic analysis revealed four themes characterizing the relationship between opioid misuse and elder abu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied gerontology 2021-10, Vol.40 (10), p.1231-1235
Main Authors: Roberto, Karen A., Teaster, Pamela B., Lindberg, Brian W., Blancato, Robert
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult abuse & neglect
Epidemics
Health problems
Health services
Home health care
Narcotics
Older people
Opioids
Substance use disorder
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Summary:This study explored the relationship between the opioid epidemic and elder abuse. Twenty professionals from four states with working knowledge of elder abuse cases participated in focus groups. Thematic analysis revealed four themes characterizing the relationship between opioid misuse and elder abuse: (a) Opioid-Related Elder Abuse is an Escalating Problem; (b) Vulnerable Older Adults are Prisoners in Their Own Home; (c) Health Care Professionals Perpetrate Opioid-Related Elder Abuse; and (d) Older Adults Abuse and Deal Opiates. In addition, all participants noted the lack of reliable, retrievable data to address cases of elder abuse when opioids are involved. Findings lay the groundwork for further research to understand the breadth and depth of the opioid-elder abuse relationship that can ultimately be used to develop prevention and intervention strategies and policies to address this hidden but widespread concern.
ISSN:0733-4648
1552-4523
DOI:10.1177/0733464820947279