The Critical-Ecological Framework: Advancing Knowledge, Practice, and Policy on Older Adult Abuse

Abstract

The abuse of older adults in our society is a recognized yet understudied issue compared to other forms of family violence. Within this article, research, theory, and practice in family violence and older adult abuse are compared; elements that can be transferred to the field are analyzed; and gaps are identified. An extensive literature review, two focus groups with local stakeholders, and interviews with six key informants recognized as national subject experts formed the basis of this analysis. The results informed the development of a critical-ecological model designed to address the gaps and advance the field.

A cog in the wheel or an agent of change: Knowledge use and practice with older people who are abused in Aotearoa/New Zealand

“…A broader systems approach is advocated by these scholars; one which facilitates an analysis of how meso and macro systems may also contribute to abuse in later life. Norris et al (2013) contend that focussing on the micro-system can also reinforce the view that older people are needy and dependent, and thus could provide some veracity to the notion that care-giving of older people is burdensome. This concern echoes that of Adams-Price, Dalton and Sumrall (2004) and Brandl and Raymond (2012) who consider the possibility that understanding elder abuse primarily as an issue born from dependency, may result in older people being viewed as responsible (at least in part)…”

“…These paradigms are: psychological (Rapoza, 2006;McClennen, 2010;Conrad, Iris, Ridings, Rosen, Fairman & Anetzberger, 2011;Payne 2011); ecological (Patterson & Malley-Morrison, 2006;Norris et al, 2013;Wangmo et al, 2014); critical (Killick & Taylor, 2009;Harbison, et al, 2012;Phelan, 2014); and more latterly, criminological (Göergen & Beaulieu, 2010;Payne, 2011;Bensimon & Bodner, 2012). Biggs (2011) theory of intergeneration relationships and intelligence and human rights perspective are also relevant to this discussion.…”

“…The ecological perspective is critiqued for not detailing how understandings about micro, meso and macro systems can be translated into practice (Unger, 2002;Norris et al, 2013), despite the literature arguing that an ecological approach provides a framework for social workers to see and maintain a balance between the person and the environment. The review of the literature indicates that the ecological paradigm is dominant but that practice continues to centre on changing individuals' behaviour and circumstances, rather than the environments in which these occur (Gilligan, 2007;Norton, 2012).…”

“…Historically, theory about how stress is linked to the demands of care giving has dominated (Harris, 1999;Payne, 2011 Recent literature has largely discredited care-giver stress as the principle reason for elder abuse (Brandl & Raymond, 2012;Harbison et al, 2012;Norris et al, 2013). …”

“…This literature review has found that qualifying the concepts of age, harm and relationships implying trust, remains problematic and more complex and contentious than the Toronto Declaration (2002) might suggest. While many scholars acknowledge these challenges (Daly et al, 2011;Brandl & Raymond, 2010;Norris et al, 2013), few go as far as Nerenberg (2008), Penhale and Parker (2008) and Harbison et al (2012) While less far-reaching, other scholars echo the call for a more critical approach (Killick & Taylor, 2009;Kosberg, 2009;Ash, 2011;Berkman, 2011;Sin, Hedges, Cook, Mguni & Comber, 2009;Norris, Fancey, Power & Ross, 2013). Collectively they argue a critical approach is imperative if elder abuse is to be noticed, understood and responded to appropriately.…”