2021 Theses Master's

A History of Elder Abuse Policies & Injustice to Aging Americans

Russo, Samantha

This policy review will dive into the history of the most relevant US elder abuse policies introduced over the last 60 years, reveal issues and gaps, show how definitions of elder abuse and terms alike have changed over time and trace patterns of state involvement and retreat in addressing abuse. By applying Kingdon’s concept of focusing events (1995) as a mechanism for policy change, this review will discuss how crises play a role in catalyzing elder abuse policies and opens a window of opportunity for change in the wake of COVID-19.