The Criminal Justice Response to Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes: A Routine Activities Perspective

Politicians and researchers have begun to pay more attention to elder abuse in recent times. Most of the research on elder abuse has focused on cases of abuse perpetrated by family members, treating the phenomenon as a social problem, but it is increasingly being conceptualized as a crime problem. The current study examines elder abuse in nursing homes from a criminological perspective. Using routine activities theory as a guide, particular attention is given to the criminal justice system’s response to abusive activities committed by nursing home employees. In all, 801 cases of abuse investigated by Medicaid Fraud Control Units are examined. Results suggest that past research has mischaracterized “the motivated offender” and that legislative policies fall short of providing capable guardianship. In addition, increases in vulnerability are related to abuse type. Implications are provided.