EXPLORING FRONTLINE PERSONNELS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SUPPORT, KNOWLEDGE, AND RESOURCES FOR ELDER ABUSE

Abstract In Virginia, the number of both reported and substantiated cases abuse in later life have grown steadily over last several years (DARS, 2021; O’Connor, 2019). Unfortunately, resources provided to combat elder not maintained same steady increase; many cases, funding agencies that work prevent has even been reduced 2021). To better understand gap exists between need available we conducted an exploratory sequential mixed methods study [QUAL → quan] (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018). qualitative strand, a series interviews focus groups with professionals who often are called upon respond/intervene when is suspected: aging victim services (n = 9), healthcare providers 7), law enforcement 8). Three themes emerged from data: increasing capacity, prevention/coordination, ageism. Findings strand were then used guide implementation quantitative strand. These participants (N 2,891) worked variety frontline settings older adults or services, mostly health care, enforcement, social services. Project findings point for increased training on abuse, shift reaction prevention improved care coordination case management, reduce harmful ageist beliefs. Moreover, our highlight effect structural societal ageism at policy level perpetuates prevalence life.