Hwalek–Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (HSEAST)

Description

The Hwalek–Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (HSEAST) is a widely recognized screening instrument developed to identify older adults who may be at risk of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Designed for use by healthcare professionals, social workers, caregivers, and community service providers, the HSEAST facilitates the early detection of situations requiring further assessment and intervention.

The questionnaire evaluates multiple forms of elder mistreatment, including physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and violations of personal rights. It also examines vulnerability factors and family or environmental conditions that may increase an older adult’s risk of abuse.

Importantly, the HSEAST is intended as a screening tool rather than a diagnostic instrument. Its purpose is to identify individuals who may require comprehensive medical, psychological, social, or legal evaluation.

The HSEAST is widely used in gerontology, geriatrics, nursing, social work, community healthcare, public health, forensic medicine, and elder care research, supporting the protection and safeguarding of vulnerable older adults.

Data Analysis and Applications

Responses obtained from the HSEAST are analyzed using established psychometric and statistical procedures to evaluate the reliability and validity of the instrument. Internal consistency is commonly assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while the questionnaire’s dimensional structure may be examined through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).

The instrument is frequently used to:

  • identify older adults at increased risk of abuse or neglect;
  • evaluate vulnerability factors associated with elder mistreatment;
  • support clinical and social service decision-making;
  • develop prevention and safeguarding strategies;
  • assess the effectiveness of intervention programs;
  • facilitate research on elder abuse, aging, and public health.

HSEAST scores may also be examined in relation to demographic, medical, psychosocial, and family-related variables to better understand risk factors associated with elder abuse.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Hwalek–Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (HSEAST) is to provide a reliable method for the early identification of older adults who may be experiencing or are at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

More specifically, the instrument aims to:

  • identify potential indicators of elder abuse;
  • detect vulnerable older adults who may require additional support;
  • facilitate timely referral for comprehensive assessment;
  • support prevention and intervention initiatives;
  • promote research on elder protection and healthy aging.

By enabling early recognition of risk factors, the HSEAST contributes to improving the safety, well-being, and quality of life of older adults.

Scoring

The HSEAST consists of 15 Yes/No questions, organized into domains assessing violations of personal rights, vulnerability characteristics, and potentially abusive situations. Responses are scored according to the original scoring guidelines, with specific “Yes” or “No” answers indicating increased risk for elder abuse. Higher total scores suggest a greater likelihood of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, indicating the need for further clinical, social, or legal evaluation.

Because the HSEAST is a screening instrument, its results should always be interpreted alongside a comprehensive professional assessment rather than being used as a stand-alone diagnostic measure.

References

Hwalek, M. A., & Sengstock, M. C. (1986). The Hwalek–Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test: A Screening Tool for Elder Abuse.

Neale, A. V., Hwalek, M. A., Scott, R. O., Sengstock, M. C., & Stahl, C. (1991). Validation of the Hwalek–Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 10(4), 406–418.