Prevention of Financial Mistreatment Among Older Adults with Dementia in Rural Michigan: Pilot Findings and Lessons Learned

• In Event: Studies of Elder Abuse/Fraud Prevention and Intervention Programs

Abstract

This study aims to develop and test the efficacy of a community-based financial mistreatment prevention model for older adults living with dementia in rural Michigan. Guided by the integrated framework incorporating routine activity theory and stress and coping theory, we developed a psychosocial intervention model to address risk factors for financial abuse and fraud by targeting dementia family caregivers and service professionals (e.g., health care providers and financial advisors) who are at stake for financial mistreatment prevention. Using a randomized control design, we assigned 40 service professionals in intervention groups and 38 in control groups. Nineteen dropped out. Regression analyses will be conducted to compare differences in dementia literacy, competence in handling financial abuse/fraud, and cases reported to APS and referrals to supportive services between intervention groups and control groups at baseline and 3-month follow-up. As intervention on dementia family caregivers (14 recruited thus far) is ongoing, findings on the differences in caregiver awareness of financial mistreatment, competence in dementia care, and abusive behaviors toward care recipients between intervention groups and control groups will be reported. Policy and practice implications as well as lessons learned from conducting a community-based project during the COVID-19 pandemic backdrop are discussed.

Authors

• Fei Sun, Michigan State University

• Zhenmei Zhang, Michigan State University

• Xia Wang, Arizona State University

• Ha Neul Kim, Michigan State University

• Brittany Tucker, Michigan State University

• Katie Donovan, Michigan State University