Family Mediated Abuse of Noninstitutionalized Frail Elderly Men and Women Living in British Columbia

Characteristics of 66 frail elderly men and women and their family caregivers living in British Columbia are examined in this descriptives tudy to determine factors which differentiate between appropriate and abusive care situations. Data sources are Homemakers, an in-home support service, and media-initiated community reports. Contrary to earlier Canadian research, caregiver rather than victim characteristics are important. The typical victim is an old woman who exhibits fewer mental and physical health problems than a recipient of appropriate care. It is alcohol use by a male caregiver that is significantly related to abuse.