Supportive Services for Elderly Victims

Supportive Services for Elderly Victims
by Trudie Gregorie

Crisis intervention for elder abuse victims can include counseling about available options, emotional support, assistance in making arrangements, and the provision of information and referrals to supportive services in the community.

Crisis intervention may be provided by special geriatric crisis teams, social workers, family violence programs, victim service professionals, or law enforcement personnel. Because it is usually easier for people in crisis to rely on old coping behaviors rather than to learn new ones, crisis intervention in elder abuse cases often involves encouraging victims to build on their strengths and past experiences to cope with the abuse situation(s). This may be accomplished by asking them to describe past crises and how they handled them. If the action or coping behavior worked in the past, it may be applied to the current situation.
Working with elderly clients in crisis often involves being more directive than in other situations. When an older person is overwhelmed by a situation, it may be helpful to break down what seems to be overwhelming obstacles into manageable parts. Addressing the simple, non-emotional, factual aspects of a situation first, and then proceeding into more sensitive areas of concern is often effective.


Support groups provide an encouraging environment for victims of elder abuse and other crimes to share their experiences in a safe and confidential environment. A number of communities have established such support groups through elder services programs. Elderly victims meet regularly with a trained facilitator to discuss and address their concerns, fears, and safety issues, and to work collaboratively toward solutions that promote safety, security, and a sense of hope.


In preventing and responding to elder abuse, collaboration is key to success, combining the skills and resources of law enforcement and justice professionals, state-level elder advocacy and adult protection agencies, legal services, victim service providers, and community-based and non-profit organizations.

Abridged Article: SOURCE
---------------------------