Elderly maltreatment and cultural diversity: When laws are not enough

In the literature cm elderly maltreatment little attention has been given to the Whence of cultural diversity. Because researchers and practitioners have not traditionally considered this element fully, research may be misleading and treatment ineffective. Current understanding of the problem shapes laws, policies and practitioner decisions. Yet, there is no consensus on how elderly maltreatment is defined, assessed or resolved, although many believe there is an objective standard definition of elder maltreatment It is clear the present law is not enough to insure clearness in definition nor inclusiveness of cultural diversify. Traditional conceptoalizaions of elderly maltreatment must become even more organized and inclusive. The present paper will evaluate the influence of these poor coiKepJualizations on the aged in general and African American aged in particular. Recoomiendatioos for practitioners and researchers will be included.