Analyses of the Concepts of Elder Mistreatment:

The lack of precise and accepted definitions of elder neglect and elder abuse impairs identification of these two distinct but related forms of elder mistreatment and prevents systematic comparison of research findings. As professional attention to elder mistreatment is relatively new, continued progress in various areas is warranted-research, theory development, diagnostic instruments, and prevention and treatment strategies. First, however, some degree of definitional precision and consensus needs to be established. This paper critically examines the current research definitions of elder neglect and abuse and offers suggestions for future progress on this foundational issue.