Document Type
Article
Abstract
The political pressures imposed on social agencies often require the introduction of alternative models of service delivery. There is some question, however, as to the effectiveness of such theoretical models. Do they play an important role in determining the types of services provided, their effectiveness, or the manner in which the agencies provide the services? Or do agencies provide relatively similar services, regardless of the model? This paper provides an analysis of the services provided to elderly victims of abuse under two different theoretical models: a legal model (with two variations), and a model of intensive service delivery. The programs also varied by region, with two in rural and two in suburban areas. The study was supported by the Illinois Department on Aging, with data collected on 204 elder abuse cases seen during calendar year 1986. Abuse types included Physical Abuse, Confinement, Sexual Abuse, Deprivation, Neglect, Self Neglect, and Financial Exploitation. Results revealed no differences between the models in the services provided or the outcome of cases. Suggestions are made as to the reasons for this finding and the other factors that may have played greater roles.
Disciplines
Sociology
Recommended Citation
Sengstock, M. C., M. Hwalek, and C. Stahl. (1991). Developing new models of service delivery to aged abuse victims: does it matter? Clinical Sociology Review 9:142-161.