Items in the seven measures were analyzed to determine the types of abuse covered, which items and abuse types were common, which types of abuse were not covered, and what deficiencies existed. The six categories of abuse included: physical abuse, physical neglect, psychological abuse, psychological neglect, material abuse, violation of personal rights, and risk indicators -- family or situational factors which are likely to put an elder at high risk of abuse. Risk factors appeared most frequently in the measures. Symptoms of actual abuse were most often related to physical abuse or neglect. Items underrepresented were psychological abuse and neglect, material abuse, and violation of personal rights. The measures depended heavily on the victim's willingness to report the abuse or neglect. Recommendations for improving methods of identifying elderly victims of abuse are provided. Over 30 references. (Author abstract modified)