Factors Contributing to Elder Abuse and Neglect in the Informal Caregiving Setting

Abstract

This article provides an overview of factors contributing to elder abuse and neglect within the informal caregiving setting from the perspective of ecological theory. This theory offers a deeper understanding of the complexity of elder abuse by considering the interactions that take place across a number of interrelated systems as well as the multiple risk factors that contribute to elder abuse and neglect. Researchers, policy makers and practitioners need to develop awareness of the risk factors regarding elder abuse and neglect, and to develop appropriate interventions in response to elder abuse and neglect.

A qualitative examination of policy and structural factors driving care workers’ adverse experiences in long-term residential care facilities for older adults in Cape Town

“…CWs’ experiences occur at three levels, namely: the caregiving context (micro) , organisational context ( meso ) , broader societal context (exo) and policy and structural context (macro) [16, 17]. Within the caregiving context , caregiving is inherently burdensome and stressful due to the suffering and dying of care recipients [18], the complexity of dementia care [19], and the emotional demands of caregiving [20].…”

“…In turn, job satisfaction influences CWs’ caring motivations and the quality of care they provide to older adults [26, 27]. The broader societal context of caregiving involves structural issues such as gender, ageism, and external support systems that influence CWs’ interaction with care recipients [16]. For example, stigmatisation of CWs in wider society could demotivate CWs [28].…”

The Challenges of Retirees and Older Persons in Nigeria; a Need for Close Attention and Urgent Action

“…rape and coerced nudity, 3) psychological/emotional abuse i.e. verbal harassment or humiliation, 4) abandonment, neglect or failure to provide adequate care, and 5) financial abuse or exploitation [27,28]. The impact of trauma may be worsened because of shame and fear, causing a reluctance to seek help, [14] and it has been reported that victims of elder abuse are more likely die prematurely than people who are not [27].…”

“…Risk factors that may increase the potential for abuse of an older person can be identified at different levels and include: individual; poor physical and mental health of the victim, mental disorders and alcohol/substance abuse in the abuser etc., relationship; shared living situations, poor family relationships etc., community; social isolation of caregivers and older persons, and socio-cultural beliefs and practices [27][28][29][30].…”

An Evaluation of the Community-Based Care and Support Services for Older Persons in a Specific Community

“…All forms of abuse are present among the aging population, but seeing that pensioners are often the only persons with an income in many households, financial abuse is most evident (Schenck & Louw, 2010:370). Abuse of the elderly can also be detected, seeing that these services are in frequent contact with older community members (Ananias & Strydom, 2014). This saves a lot of money for the government as people does not need to be admitted to a hospital or residential care facility.…”