Dependent Adult Children and Elder Abuse

Abstract

This study investigates quantitatively and qualitatively the characteristics of dependent adult children in substantiated cases of elder abuse. The data come from the Wisconsin elder abuse reporting system in which 204 substantiated cases of abuse by an adult child were reported during an 18 month period. Quantitative analysis indicated that financially dependent adult children were under the age of 40, lived with the elder, and had problems related to alcohol and drugs. The qualitative analysis of 14 case records showed that a second but smaller group of adult children were dependent because of problems related to mental illness. This analysis of case records revealed substantial depression among this population of abused elders. Implications for future research are discussed.

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