Pure Financial Exploitation vs. Hybrid Financial Exploitation Co Occurring with Physical Abuse and/or Neglect of Elderly Persons
Objective: This is the first research study to compare pure financial exploitation (PFE) of an elderly person—financial exploitation that occurs independently of another form of elder abuse—with hybrid financial exploitation (HFE)—financial exploitation that co-occurs with physical abuse and/or neglect. Method: Thirty-eight cases of PFE and 16 cases of HFE were studied. Triangulated interviews were conducted with up to three respondents per case, with 54 adult protective services (APS) caseworkers, 42 of their clients with substantiated elder maltreatment, and 31 third party uninvolved persons interviewed. Results: In comparison to PFE, when HFE occurred the victims were less healthy and more often abused by a cohabiting person perceived by elderly victims as their caretaker, but also feared by the elderly person. The duration of HFE, often by an unemployed and financially dependent adult offspring, was lengthier and frequently long-standing. The actions of APS in HFE cases were indicative of the seriousness of these cases. Furthermore, the victims of this abuse were more likely to experience adverse outcomes. Conclusions: PFE and HFE differed across a range of variables and necessitate different interventions. Victims of HFE require extensive assistance to address both their own needs and those of the abusive individual, while victims of PFE require education about maintaining their financial security and independence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)