Elder mistreatment among rural family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders

This article presents four case studies of elder abuse from the files of a multisite training project designed to teach rural caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders how to better manage behavioral problems associated with dementia. The cases are used to illustrate characteristics of victims, perpetrators, and family systems that are vulnerable to abuse. The examples presented reflect a variety of factors associated with abuse in caregiving situations, including denial and maladaptive personality characteristics in the caregiver, and anxiety and lack of knowledge. The role of health care professionals and researchers who uncover abuse or neglect situations is also discussed.