Elder Abuse Research Articles

Elder Abuse: Types, Risk Factors and Its Effect on Quality of Life among Institutional and Non-Institutional Elderly Population in Cairo, Egypt

Elder Abuse: Types, Risk Factors and Its Effect on Quality of Life among Institutional and Non-Institutional Elderly Population in Cairo, Egypt

Risa Breckman elder abuse pioneer career impact award lecture and career reflections

Risa Breckman elder abuse pioneer career impact award lecture and career reflections

Utilization of Healthcare Resources by Elder Abuse Victims in Emergency

Utilization of Healthcare Resources by Elder Abuse Victims in Emergency

Elder Abuse in Older Adults With Dementia: Protective Factors and Adverse Effects.

With the rapid increase in the aging population, more attention has been paid to studying older adults with dementia. Despite the fact that older adults with dementia are more likely to be abused compared to their cognitively intact counterparts, little attention has been paid to abuse within this population. This systematic review, conducted using the PRISMA model, aims to critically examine, evaluate, and synthesize literature on protective factors and adverse effects of elder abuse by informal caregivers among individuals with dementia. A search was undertaken using the Ageline, Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases for peer-reviewed articles published in English up to June 2023. A total of 291 articles were identified by the systematic search, and 8 articles were included in the review. The results showed that protective factors related to elder abuse are mainly examined at a perpetrator level, including caregiver-related, relational, and contextual factors. Adverse effects, specifically an increased risk of various medical conditions and poor medication adherence, were identified but less frequently discussed. The findings indicated future directions for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to better serve older adults with dementia and their caregivers.

Elder Abuse and Neglect in Long Term Care Facilities in America : A systematic Review

Elder Abuse and Neglect in Long Term Care Facilities in America : A systematic Review

Enhancing elder abuse detection for older people living with dementia with a digital intervention

Enhancing elder abuse detection for older people living with dementia with a digital intervention

Prevalence of Elder Abuse Among Shiraz Education Retirees: A Cross-sectional Study

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of elder abuse and its related factors among retirees of the Department of Education. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting(s): The current study was conducted in Shiraz, the capital of Fars province, Iran. Participants: A sample of 280 (157 females and 123 males) community-dwelling older adults aged≥60 were selected using a systematic random sampling method. Outcome measures: The data were collected through a demographic questionnaire and the Domestic Elder Abuse Questionnaire (DEAQ). Demographic characteristics, including age, gender, marital status, living arrangement, household size, number of children, disease and its type, health status, education level, income, and house ownership, were examined to evaluate their impact on elder abuse. In addition, the prevalence of elder abuse and its subscales (i.e., emotional neglect, care neglect, financial neglect, curtailment of personal autonomy, psychological abuse, physical abuse, financial abuse, and abandonment) was also measured. Results: Approximately 40% of participants underwent at least one type of abuse. Financial abuse (32%) and physical abuse (3.9%) were reported as the most and least frequent types of abuse, respectively. Moreover, there was a statistically significant relationship between some demographic variables (e.g., age, presence of disease, duration of disease, health status, and income level) and the total abuse index. Additionally, some variables had statistically significant relationships with various subscales of abuse. Conclusions: Findings highlight the need to develop efficient policies to prevent elder abuse. Further research is thus recommended to determine influencing factors and appropriate interventions.

Unmasking Elder Abuse: Depression and Dependency in the Post-Pandemic Era.

A battery of questionnaires was administered to a sample of 167 participants electronically (M = 72.42; SD = 6.46), including the Abbreviated Yesavage Scale to assess depression, the Katz Index for Basic Activities of Daily Living to assess dependency, and the American Medical Association and the Canadian Task Force Questionnaire to assess suspicion of abuse. A prevalence of 40.72% of suspected abuse, of 5.99% of established depression, and of 1.20% of severe dependence was obtained. The prevalence of abuse was higher in the population with dependency (75%) than without dependency (37%). In the case of depression, the prevalence of abuse was 70% for people with established depression and 35.4% for people without depression. Women have higher rates of abuse than men, although this difference is not statistically significant. The same occurs with age. Nevertheless, having established depression and dependency are confirmed risk factors for suffering abuse.

Change in Depression Severity Among Depressed Older Crime Victims.

The crime rates in urban centers are rising. The psychological impact of crime can range from distress to longstanding mental health impairment. Despite the rising crime rates and psychological impact on victims, little research has been conducted on older adult crime victims' mental health. In this manuscript we describe the profile of older adult crime victims in New York City referred for mental health services, their rates of depression, and the preliminary outcome data from a brief therapy intervention (PROTECT) targeting depression among victims. Building on prior research demonstrating the efficacy of PROTECT for depressive symptom reduction in elder abuse victims, the present study hypothesized elder crime victims who completed PROTECT therapy would demonstrate clinically meaningful depression symptom reduction as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Additionally, it was hypothesized that these clinically significant depression symptom reductions would be demonstrated regardless of sex, gender, victimization type, victimization frequency, or living status. The results demonstrate that 67.7% (21/31) of participants had a clinically significant reduction in PHQ-9 scores (≥5 points) upon completion of PROTECT. There were no significant group differences in clinically significant depression symptom reduction, suggesting that PROTECT is an effective intervention for a diverse sample of elder crime victims. Future research should focus on the mental health impact of crime against older adults and explore reductions in anxiety and PTSD symptoms among crime victims. Through our partnerships we aim to bridge the divide between victim service providers, and mental health service providers to assist victims to recover, heal, and thrive.

Violence against older people and associations with mental health: A national probability sample survey of the general population in England

BackgroundOfficial estimates of violence prevalence in England exclude older people. There are few studies of elder abuse and these excluded violence from acquaintances and strangers and lack comparability with younger adults. ObjectivesTo estimate prevalence of past-year violence victimisation in older people, identify factors associated with violence in older age, quantify the extent to which experience of violence in older people was associated with common mental disorder (CMD). Study design/methodsAnalysis of a 2014 general population probability sample survey of 2570 adults aged 60+ and 4484 16–59 year olds. Modified version of the Conflict Tactics Scale measured domestic violence and List of Threatening Experiences captured bullying and serious assault. CMD were assessed using the revised Clinical Interview Schedule. Associations were examined using regression models adjusted for childhood victimisation and other adversities. Results2.0 % (n = 52,CI:1.4–2.6) of older people experienced violence in the past year, with intimate partner violence the most prevalent form. Older people of non-white ethnicity, those who were socially isolated or lonely, and the formerly married were more likely to experience violence. Violence was associated with CMD in older people (adjusted odds ratio 2.2, CI:1.0–4.8), controlling for impairments, adversities and other factors. ConclusionViolence, especially from an intimate partner, is evident in later life and strongly associated with poor mental health. Better instruments for the identification of violence and abuse in older people in research and safe enquiry in practice settings are needed, with recognition of and attention to ethnic and other inequalities among older people in exposure.

Experiences of Domestic Violence in Adult Patients with Brain Injury: A Select Overview of Screening, Reporting, and Next Steps.

This select overview examines the important intersection of adult domestic violence, including intimate partner violence and elder abuse, with brain injury. Despite the high prevalence of domestic violence amongst brain injury patients, there is a notable gap in screening and management training for providers. To provide optimal patient care, brain injury medicine clinicians must screen, recognize, and treat patients who have experienced domestic violence. This select overview highlights barriers to screening, validated screening tools from other medical disciplines, and management considerations for the brain injury clinician. A suggested protocol for domestic violence screening and management, as well as recommended resources for providers and patients, is summarized.

Insights into elder abuse: a bibliometric analysis

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the trends in academic research on elder abuse from 1990 to 2023 using bibliometric analysis. It seeks to identify research trends, hotspots and gaps and proposes future research directions.Design/methodology/approachUsing bibliometric analysis method, this study analyzes 2,404 documents related to elder abuse from the Scopus database. Visual analysis is conducted using VOSviewer software to reveal research trends, thematic clusters and their interrelationships.FindingsThe study shows a rising concern for elder abuse, especially in nursing homes, domestic settings and among dementia patients. However, research on prevention and intervention measures is lacking, despite increasing international collaboration. Yet, deeper exploration of cross-cultural and regional differences remains limited.Practical implicationsThis study reveals that improving care conditions for nursing home residents and dementia patients requires increased funding, professional training for caregivers, the strengthening of regulations and the establishment of clear guidelines for reporting abuse. Additionally, promoting international cooperation, sharing best practices, raising public awareness and supporting ongoing research are essential measures to ensure the safety and dignity of older adults.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first systematic review of elder abuse research using bibliometric analysis, providing researchers and policymakers with a comprehensive knowledge framework of the field’s development trends and research hotspots.

A scoping review of geriatric emergency medicine research transparency in diversity, equity, and inclusion reporting.

The intersection of ageism and racism is underexplored in geriatric emergency medicine (GEM) research. We performed a scoping review of research published between January 2016 and December 2021. We included original emergency department-based research focused on falls, delirium/dementia, medication safety, and elder abuse. We excluded manuscripts that did not include (1) original research data pertaining to the four core topics, (2) older adults, (3) subjects from the United States, and (4) for which full text publication could not be obtained. The primary objective was to qualitatively describe reporting about older adults' social identities in GEM research. Secondary objectives were to describe (1) the extent of inclusion of minoritized older adults in GEM research, (2) GEM research about health equity, and (3) feasible approaches to improve the status quo of GEM research reporting. After duplicates were removed, 3277 citations remained and 883 full-text articles were reviewed, of which 222 met inclusion criteria. Four findings emerged. First, race and ethnicity reporting was inconsistent. Second, research rarely provided a rationale for an age threshold used to define geriatric patients. Third, GEM research more commonly reported sex than gender. Fourth, research commonly excluded older adults with cognitive impairment and speakers of non-English primary languages. Meaningful assessment of GEM research inclusivity is limited by inconsistent reporting of sociodemographic characteristics, specifically race and ethnicity. Reporting of sociodemographic characteristics should be standardized across different study designs. Strategies are needed to include in GEM research older adults with cognitive impairment and non-English primary languages.

A Qualitative Study of Adult Protective Services Practitioners Responding to Allegations of Elder Abuse and Self-Neglect

ABSTRACT Adult Protective Services (APS) practitioners play an essential role in supporting older adults experiencing elder abuse and self-neglect (EASN), however, very little research has examined their experiences, from their perspectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of APS practitioners responding to allegations of EASN. Qualitative interviews were conducted with APS practitioners (n = 14) from the state of Maine. A descriptive phenomenological approach involving two independent assessors was used to code transcripts into themes. Two domains, each with various subthemes, were identified: (1) rewarding elements of role and (2) challenging aspects of role. The findings of this study emphasize how APS practitioners are motivated by their capacity to help elicit positive change in the lives of their clients and support the well-being of older adults experiencing EASN. However, APS practitioners must navigate numerous challenges and barriers in their role, including time constraints, high and complex caseloads, limited resources, and broader misconceptions on APS. These findings highlight the importance of addressing these stressors to support the well-being of APS practitioners, which, in turn, can help support the vulnerable older adults they serve.

Effects of changing criteria on improving interRAI assessment for elder abuse: analysis of a national dataset from Aotearoa New Zealand

ObjectivesGlobally, one in six older adults in the community will be a victim of abuse (elder abuse; EA). Despite these horrific statistics, EA remains largely undetected and under-reported. Available screening...

Using the ecological approach to explain risk factors of elder abuse in Iran (A qualitative study).

World Health Organization suggests that different societies should investigate the causes of abuse in their culture. This study was conducted to investigate the risk factors of elder abuse in Iran using an ecological approach. This is a qualitative study, and the participants were older adults and caregivers. The data were collected using 66 interviews. Analysis of data was simultaneously performed with data collection, using MAXQDA 10, and results were reported based on Elo's recommendation. Five main categories of data analysis were obtained based on Bronfenbrenner's model: exo-system: conflict of care with caregivers' jobs, meso-system: failure to meet expectations of support systems, macro-system: social culture, socioeconomic structure, status of enactment, and implementation of legal and financial laws. This study showed risk factors of elder abuse in the sociocultural context of Iran, and its results can be used for health promotion interventions.

The Crime Of Elder Abuse According To Criminal Law Law

The aim of this research is to analyze the factors causing abuse by biological children against their parents and the judge's considerations regarding the decision in case Decision Number 421/PidSus/2020/PN.Tgn. This research method uses a normative juridical research approach by reviewing statutory regulations, law books and Islamic law books related to the research focus. The research results show that the factors behind the abuse of biological mothers are economic, family, social environment and social jealousy. Based on the considerations of the judge at the Tangerang District Court with Decision Case Number 421/PidSus/2020/PN.Tgn. Regarding criminal cases, we have referred to legislation no. 23 of 2004 concerning the Elimination of Domestic Violence. However, in terms of justice, the punishment given was not fair for the victim who had been treated badly by his own biological child.

Developing a model for providing feedback to reporters of elder abuse

ABSTRACT Lack of feedback about reports made to Adult Protective Services (APS) is an important barrier to elder mistreatment reporting. To better understand barriers and facilitators to APS-reporter communication, we conducted an environmental scan of state policies and practices. We gathered publicly available information from 52 states and territories on APS administrative structure, reporting, intake, investigation, and feedback processes; performed a secondary analysis of focus groups with Emergency Medical Services providers and APS staff; and interviewed 44 APS leaders in 24 states/territories. Results revealed variation in information-sharing with reporters. Qualitative analyses revealed three overarching themes related to whether, when, and how information is shared. Results were used to develop a model illustrating factors influencing APS decisions on sharing information. This model incorporates the type of reporter (professional or nonprofessional), their relationship with the APS client (brief or ongoing), and the potential risks and benefits of sharing information with the reporter.

Population-Level Surveillance of Domestic Assaults in the Home Using the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS)

Violence in the home, including partner violence, child abuse, and elder abuse, is pervasive in the United States. An informatics approach allowing automated analysis of administrative data to identify domestic assaults and release timely and localized data would assist preventionists to identify geographic and demographic populations of need and design tailored interventions. This study examines the use of an established national dataset, the NEMSIS 2019, as a potential annual automated data source for domestic assault surveillance. An algorithm was used to identify individuals who utilized emergency medical services (EMS) for a physical assault in a private residence (N = 176,931). Descriptive analyses were conducted to define the identified population and disposition of patients. A logistic regression was performed to predict which characteristics were associated with consistent domestic assault identification by the on-scene EMS clinician and dispatcher. The sample was majority female (52.2%), White (44.7%), urban (85.5%), and 21–29 years old (24.4%). A disproportionate number of those found dead on scene were men (74.5%), and female patients more often refused treatment (57.8%) or were treated and then released against medical advice (58.4%). Domestic assaults against children and seniors had higher odds of being consistently identified by both the dispatcher and EMS clinician than those 21–49, and women had lower odds of consistent identification than men. While a more specific field to identify the type of domestic assault (e.g., intimate partner) would help inform specialized intervention planning, these data indicate an opportunity to systematically track domestic assaults in communities and describe population-specific needs.

Prevalence of Self-reported Domestic Elder Abuse and Its Relation with Personality Traits of Older People and Their Family Caregivers.

Elder abuse (EA) is a serious public health issue recognized as a healthcare priority. Personality traits can influence social behaviors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported domestic EA and its relationship with personality traits of older people and their family caregivers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. The research population included older people living in the urban community of the Lorestan Province (in the western region of Iran) selected by multistage cluster sampling. In general, 998 older people and their family caregivers were sampled. The data collection tool was a three-part questionnaire: a. demographic characteristics of the older people, b. questionnaire on the incidence of elder abuse, and c. short version of the NEO Five-Factor Inventory-Revised (NEO-FFI-R) for measuring the personality traits of the older people or family caregivers. The statistical software used was Stata 14. The present study reported that the prevalence of EA at home was 37.78%. In the present study, older age, female gender, unmarried/single status, lower education, unemployment, and rented house characteristics were predictors of EA. High agreeableness, high extroversion, and low neuroticism reduce conflict and tension in older people with their relatives and family, which appear to be protective factors against EA. Policymakers and health experts should prepare training and screening programs to consider these factors so that older people exposed to EA can be identified more quickly and early interventions can be used to improve their health status and increase their quality of life.