Max B. Rothman

Elder Abuse: Risk Factors and Use of Case Data to Improve Policy and Practice

ABSTRACT Countering the generally reactive community approach to prevention and treatment of elder abuse, this study employs analysis of local elder abuse case data to estimate the incidence of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation and to measure the risk factors, including co-location of other forms of abuse, that predict elder abuse in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The authors also compare the model of intervention used in Florida and elsewhere to best practice models that incorporate elements of domestic violence treatment models. They present a series of specific recommendations for improving local abuse data-collection, analysis, and training so that local policy makers, planners, and practitioners can make proactive, community-specific, culturally-sensitive preventive efforts effective. The findings and recommendations have direct relevance for policy and practice in any community in the United States.

Elders and the courts: judicial policy for an aging America.

Abstract This article examines how trial courts should address complex issues of an aging society. More older people, living longer, will enter courthouses with underlying problems that will impede effective access and court processes and will require judges to enhance linkages with community health, mental health, and social services providers. The article analyzes how court systems perceive these issues and explores how they have begun to address them. It concludes with an argument in support of innovative new approaches to assist courts in responding to emerging issues of older adults.

The retirement planning gap: A view from the public sector

How do public-sector workers assess their prospects for retirement? This article examines retirement planning at a public university in South Florida, where contemporary demographics mirror the nations expected demographics in 2010. Like their private sector counterparts, our respondents believe quality of life at retirement will be favorable. Yet many respondents appear to be under-saving for retirement and fail to recognize that part-time employment is likely to be an integral part of their retirement experience. As expected, socioeconomic factors, particularly education, gender, and ethnicity, play a significant role in determining retirement planning and perceived quality of life in the “Golden Years.” Investment literacy is limited among many of our respondents, particularly females and minorities. This is critical in light of increased reliance on defined contribution pensions and possible reforms in Social Security.

Cost-Sharing and the Future of Fees for Service for Frail Elders in State Programs

Although Congress has rejected the concept of mandatory cost-sharing under the Older Americans Act, many states already use client fee systems under state-funded home and community-based services programs. This research included a survey of actual state experiences and a review of earlier studies. States are compared on issues concerning policy and experience with fee systems, including income verification, fee schedules, termination policies, and costs of administration. Although policy and practice differ markedly across states, certain states are close to operationalizing comprehensive policies in this area. The author concludes that there is a need to conduct additional state-level demonstrations that address policy issues identified in the research. Evaluation research is needed to determine program effectiveness and efficiency, particularly concerning whether cost-sharing increases the amount of services available and ensures a high level of services to minorities.