“We Do Not Have a Written Protocol or Flowchart for Intervention”: Social Workers’ Perceptions and Experiences of Interventions with Older Parents Subjected to Abuse by Adult Offspring with Psychiatric Disorders

One in six older adults worldwide is subjected to abuse (WHO, 2022), with heightened risk among parents of offspring with mental disorders. This qualitative study explores social workers' experiences in addressing elder abuse by these offspring. Two themes emerged: (1) "The snowball rolls: Unfolding mutual dependency and symbiosis," describing abusive offspring's characteristics and dynamics with aging parents, (2) "For every case, you need to match a tailor-made suit," detailing psychosocial and legal interventions. Findings highlight the need for family-focused interventions and providing treatment to the abuser. It is recommended to develop formal guiding principles to address these complex cases effectively.