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As
professionals achieve a clearer understanding of the needs
of abuse victims and persons at risk, the need for new and
expanded services is also being recognized. Careful planning
can ensure that new services are appropriate, effective,
and cost effective.
How
can communities identify unmet service needs?
- Surveys
or needs assessments
- Formal
or informal discussions with professionals who are currently
serving victims or who are likely to observe abuse. Elder
abuse multidisciplinary teams can provide an excellent
forum for discussing the need for new services. Groups
can plan special sessions to do so or make it a part of
their regular agenda
- Special
sessions at conferences
- Focus
groups
What
actions can be taken to fill service gaps?
- Inform
community agencies that provide related services about
the newly identified need and assess their willingness
to build upon their current program.
- Inform
agencies that provide related services to the non-elderly
(e.g. domestic violence prevention programs) to assess
their interest in adapting their programs to meet the
needs of older women.
- Inform
policymakers, legislators, program directors, and foundations.
This can be done by providing testimony at hearings or
arranging special meetings with policymakers.
What special services have been developed for elder victims
of abuse?
-
Shelters
- Support
groups
- Counseling
programs
- Victim
advocacy
-
Volunteer programs that provide companionship, respite,
court accompaniment, etc.
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