Table of Contents

About This Course

1. Introduction to Elder Abuse
2. The Basics of Elder Abuse
3. Substance Use and Other Risk Factors
4. Screening and Assessment
5. Intervention and Treatment
6. Preventing Elder Abuse

Supplements
Case Studies
References
Resources

Out of the Shadows
Uncovering Substance Use and Elder Abuse

Indicators of Abuse Screen

Indicators of abuse are listed below, numbered in order of importance.* After a 2- to 3-hour home assessment (or other intensive assessment) please rate each of the following items on a scale of 0 to 4. Do not omit any items. Rate according to your current opinion.

Scale: Estimated extent of problem:

• 000 = don't know
• 00 = not applicable
• 0 = nonexistent
• 1 = slight
• 2 = moderate
• 3 = probably/moderately severe
• 4 = yes/severe

Caregiver age _______ years

Caregiver and care receiver kinship _____ spouse _____ nonspouse

Caregiver

	1.	Has behavior problems
	2.	Is financially dependent
	3.	Has mental/emotional difficulties
	4.	Has alcohol/substance abuse problem
	5.	Has unrealistic expectations
	6.	Lacks understanding of medical condition
	7.	Shows caregiving reluctancy
	8.	Has marital/family conflict
	9.	Has poor current relationship
	10.	Is inexperienced in caregiving
	11.	Is a blamer
	12.	Has poor past relationship

Care Receiver

	13.	Has been abused in the past
	14.	Has marital/family conflict
	15.	Lacks understanding of medical condition
	16.	Is socially isolated
	17.	Lacks social support
	18.	Has behavior problems
	19.	Is financially dependent
	20.	Has unrealistic expectations
	21.	Has alcohol/medication problem
	22.	Has poor current relationship
	23.	Has suspicious falls/injuries
	24.	Has mental/emotional difficulties
	25.	Is a blamer
	26.	Is emotionally dependent
	27.	Has no regular doctor

*The majority of the most important indicators are in the caregiver category.

This screening tool is not to be used for diagnostic purposes. In general, professionals may interpret the numbered score in the following way: The higher the score, the more severe the problem.

For more information, see www.asaging.org and www.generationsjournal.org

Source: Reis, M. (2000, Summer), The IOA Screen: An abuse-alert measure that dispels myths. Generations, 24(2), p. 14. Reprinted with permission.

A printable version (PDF) is available.
What is PDF?

©2002 American Society on Aging, San Francisco, California.