Elder abuse and neglect

Elder abuse in residential long-term care: an update to the 2003 National Research Council report

A synthesis of the last decade of literature on elder abuse in residential long-term care (i.e., Nursing Homes and Assisted Living) is discussed. Presented are definitions of abuse, theoretical and conceptual models, prevalence rates of abuse, outcomes and costs, and sources of abuse. The synthesis represents an update to the literature in the influential 2003 National Research Council report. We identify many of the same issues and concerns exist that were surfaced in this prior report. Many theoretical and conceptual models need further elaboration. Conflicting definitions of abuse are pervasive. Rates of abuse are generally inaccurate, and probably under-reported. However, we also identify progress in many areas. An increase in empirical studies that exist in this area (although very few in Assisted Living). Other forms and types of abuse have also been identified as important, such as resident-to-resident abuse. These areas are discussed, along with potential suggestions for additional research.

Elder abuse and neglect in Ireland: results from a national prevalence survey

OBJECTIVE

To measure the 12-month prevalence of elder abuse and neglect in community-dwelling older people in Ireland and examine the risk profile of people who experienced mistreatment and that of the perpetrators.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional general population survey.

SETTING

Community.

PARTICIPANTS

People aged 65 years or older living in the community.

METHODS

Information was collected in face-to-face interviews on abuse types, socioeconomic, health, and social support characteristics of the population. Data were examined using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) are presented.

RESULTS

The prevalence of elder abuse and neglect was 2.2% (95% CI: 1.41-2.94) in the previous 12 months. The frequency of mistreatment type was financial 1.3%, psychological 1.2%, physical abuse 0.5%, neglect 0.3%, and sexual abuse 0.05%. In the univariate analysis lower income OR 2.39 (95% CI: 1.01-5.69), impaired physical health OR 3.41 (95% CI: 1.74-6.65), mental health OR 6.33 (95% CI: 3.33-12.0), and poor social support OR 4.91 (95% CI: 2.1-11.5) were associated with a higher risk of mistreatment but only social support and mental health remained independent predictors. Among perpetrators adult children (50%) were most frequently identified. Unemployment (50%) and addiction (20%) were characteristics of this group.

Nurse Aides’ Reports of Resident Abuse in Nursing Homes

Verbal, physical, psychological, caregiving, medication, material, and sexual abuse perpetrated by staff are examined. Information came from nurse aides included in the Pennsylvania nurse aide registry. A total of 4,451 nurse aides returned a 46-item questionnaire (response rate = 64%). A 3-month frame of reference was used, and the questionnaire asked about abuse in the prior nursing home of employment. Nurse aide responses to the verbal abuse and psychological abuse items were higher than for the other categories of abuse examined. For example, 36% of nurse aides observed argumentative behavior with residents and 28% observed intimidation. Lower figures were reported for physical abuse (6% observed pushing, grabbing, or pinching), caregiving abuse (10% observed staff to threaten to stop taking care of a resident), medication abuse (19% observed inappropriate delays in medication administration), material exploitation (10% observed taking assets), and sexual abuse (1% observed unwelcome discussion of sexual activity). These findings clearly show that some types of resident abuse by staff are reported to be a common occurrence by nurse aides. This likely influences the health outcomes, quality of life, quality of care, and the safety of residents.

That's not my Robert! Identity maintenance and other warrants in family members' claims about mistreatment in old-age care

This study has explored how family members of care recipients define and sustain claims of mistreatment in old-age care. Twenty-one informants were recruited from an association of relatives of care recipients in Sweden. Using argumentation analysis, four warrants about mistreatment were identified from the qualitative interview data: they referred to physical harm, psychological harm, social-care deficiencies and identity subversion. The first three categories are similar to those recognised in previous research on elder mistreatment, but the fourth, which is described in detail in the article, is less familiar: elder mistreatment as the violation of an older person's identity. The family members backed their claims about staff members' violation of a care recipient's persona or identity by using arguments that drew on their unique knowledge of the care recipient's appearance, daily routines and preferred activities. They also described their attempts to protect the dignity and identity of a care recipient, their fears of abuse, and actual cases of conflict and retribution by care staff. They consistently positioned themselves as guardians of identity through their claims of mistreatment. The study provides important knowledge about family members' moral view of elder mistreatment, which may enhance the understanding of conflicts between formal care providers and family members.