THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC AS A CATALYST FOR ELDER ABUSE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES: PERSPECTIVES OF SERVICE PROVIDERS

The opioid crisis is devastating parts of rural America, where over 10 million persons aged 65+ reside in small towns and other rural communities. Although rural older adults suffer fewer opioid-related deaths than other age groups, they are not immune to the effects of the problem. The purpose of this study was to explore professionals’ perceptions and experience with elder abuse in light of the opioid epidemic. We conducted for one-hour focus groups with 20 service providers in Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. Findings suggest that the problem of elder abuse and opioid abuse is escalating in scope and severity. Participants indicated that little reliable data exist on the scope of the problem and that current training and resources are dangerously insufficient to address this epidemic. Discussion focuses on the predominant beliefs about the relationship between opioid use and elder abuse and measures needed to address this growing problem.