Abstract
Detecting elder abuse is challenging because it is a taboo, and many cases remain unreported. This study aimed to identify types of elder abuse and to investigate its associated risk factors. Retrospective analyses of 903 dossiers created at an Independent Complaints Authority for Old Age in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, from January 1, 2008 to October 31, 2012. Characteristics of victims and perpetrators, types of abuse, and associated risk factors related to the victim or the perpetrator were assessed. Bi- and multivariate analysis were used to identify abuse and neglect determinants. A total of 150 cases reflected at least one form of elder abuse or neglect; 104 cases were categorised as abuse with at least one type of abuse (overall 135 mentions), 46 cases were categorised as neglect (active or passive). Psychological abuse was the most reported form (47%), followed by financial (35%), physical (30%) and anticonstitutional abuse (18%). In 81% of the 150 cases at least two risk factors existed. In 13% no associated risk factor could be identified. Compared with neglect, elders with abuse were less likely to be a nursing home resident than living at home (odds ratio [OR] 0.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00-0.19). In addition, they were more likely to be cohabiting with their perpetrators (OR 18.01, 95% CI 4.43-73.19). For the majority of the reported elder abuse cases at least two associated risk factors could be identified. Knowledge about these red flags and a multifaceted strategy are needed to identify and prevent elder abuse.
Highlights
Elder abuse is a serious problem in our society [1]
Case reports of elder abuse first appeared in the literature 40 years ago [3, 4], it is still a taboo and a hidden problem, which often does not surmount the private framework of the elderly person [5]
The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of the various types of abuse in victims suffering from elder abuse in the northern part of Switzerland, and the associated risk factors for both victims and perpetrators
Summary
Elder abuse is a serious problem in our society [1]. The definition of elder abuse adopted from the World Health Organization is “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person” [2]. case reports of elder abuse first appeared in the literature 40 years ago [3, 4], it is still a taboo and a hidden problem, which often does not surmount the private framework of the elderly person [5]. Elder abuse is a serious problem in our society [1]. The United Kingdom National Prevalence Study of Elder Mistreatment, which took place in 2006, estimated a past 12-months prevalence of 2.6% for any mistreatment (abuse or neglect) in people aged 66 and older [6]. This means that nearly one in 40 adults is afflicted by mistreatment. In Switzerland, data concerning elder abuse and neglect have been collected, especially on the level of institutions (nursing homes), but not reported up to now. We wanted to compare the prevalence of risk factors associated with abuse (wilful infliction of damage) to the prevalence of those associated with neglect (active or passive)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
