Elder Abuse and Neglect in Long-Term Care

Educational support group in changing caregivers’ psychological elder abuse behavior toward caring for institutionalized elders

“…For the most part, abuse takes the form of verbal and behavioral mistreatment, i.e., psychological or emotional mistreatment by the caregiver (Goergen 2001;Joshi and Flaherty 2005;Ogioni et al 2007;Pillemer and Finkelhor 1989). Psychological abuse is defined as infliction of mental or emotional suffering such as harassment, threats, humiliation, or intimidation of the resident (Joshi and Flaherty 2005). Evidence that supports this claim was presented in a study by Tam and Neysmith (2006) which found that Chinese groups were more likely to identify particular acts as psychological abuse than non-Chinese groups.…”

“…Staff risk factors such as caregiver burden, work stress and burnout, staffing shortage, inadequate training and supervision, ageism, and poor working conditions, also increase the risk for elder mistreatment (Joshi and Flaherty 2005;Wang 2006;Liu 2006). The responsibilities that are associated with care-giving can place overwhelming demands on caregivers (Jones et al 1997).…”

“…A factor contributing to institutional elder abuse is the dependency, frailty, cognitively impaired, and physically disabled state of elders. Many do not have regular visitors who can monitor the quality of care they receive (Joshi and Flaherty 2005). Situational theory (ST) has been suggested as a model for understanding elder mistreatment (Fulmer et al 2004).…”

“…Elder abuse and neglect in long-term care institutions can take different forms, including physical, sexual, and emotional maltreatment, inappropriate use of restraints, and inadequate or insufficient care. For the most part, abuse takes the form of verbal and behavioral mistreatment, i.e., psychological or emotional mistreatment by the caregiver (Goergen 2001;Joshi and Flaherty 2005;Ogioni et al 2007;Pillemer and Finkelhor 1989). Psychological abuse is defined as infliction of mental or emotional suffering such as harassment, threats, humiliation, or intimidation of the resident (Joshi and Flaherty 2005).…”

Prevention of Elder Mistreatment in Nursing Homes: Competencies for Direct-Care Staff

“…Numerous authors have asserted that staff training is key in the prevention of elder mistreatment in nursing homes (Hawes, 2002;Joshi & Flaherty, 2005). Aide registry directors, ombudsmen, and CNAs agree that inadequate training is one of the most significant contributors to such mistreatment (Hawes, Blevins, & Shanley, 2001).…”