Contesting Elder Abuse and Neglect Ageism, Risk, and the Rhetoric of Rights in the Mistreatment of Older People

The mistreatment of diverse older people in varying ways is categorized in many societies as "elder abuse and neglect," yet this concept has not been subjected to rigorous critical inquiry. Instead, it has most often represented the interests of professionals, academics, and governments, while policymakers and researchers frequently disregard the complexity of issues that fall under the designation. The first comprehensive, scholarly critique of the topic, Contesting Elder Abuse and Neglect is an important, much-needed contribution that encourages new thinking, policies, and action regarding the treatment of older people.

Joan R. Harbison is an adjunct professor at the Dalhousie University School of Social Work in Halifax.