The study found financial abuse to be the most frequent motivation for elder abuse; public health nurses encountered the greatest percentage of financial and psychosocial abuse cases, while social workers confronted the most physical abuse cases. The most frequently abused elder is a female aged 80 to 84 years, residing with a family member for ten or more years. Over three-fourths of abusers were family caregivers; the son is the most frequent abuser, followed closely by the daughter. High-risk factors concerning elderly persons were physical impairment, suspicious physical injuries, unstable mental status, depression and withdrawal, and lack of family supports. Those high-risk factors associated with caregivers included alcoholism, financial stress, and a poor attitude toward aging. Most respondents favored mandatory reporting, the formation of a protocol, protective legislation, and the formation of advisory committees. The report presented four major risk reduction strategies. Mandatory reporting of abuse cases to a central registry would provide immunity from liability for anyone reporting in good faith; reports would be followed by immediate investigations. The data would also be used for research, program planning, and service improvement. Education, including programs for family caregivers on budgets, meal planning, and nutrition, as well as informal counseling for high-risk families, is an important preventive measure. Family crises often precipitate abuse; social workers and law enforcement officers need to be trained in intervention techniques. Advocacy programs would include establishment of a wide range of social services for elderly persons at risk, legislative reform, and public assistance. 9 tables, 1 reference.