Neglect of older adults in Michigan nursing homes

Authors:
ZHANG Zhenmei, et al
Journal article citation:
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 23(1), January 2011, pp.58-74.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA

Although research on domestic elder abuse and neglect is a rapidly growing area, it is relatively poorly understood in the nursing home environment. The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of elder neglect in nursing homes and to identify the individual and contextual risks associated with elder neglect. Data came from a 2005 random digit dial survey of individuals in Michigan who had relatives in long term care. The sample included 414 family members who had a relative aged 65 or older in a nursing home. The collated responses suggest that about 21% of nursing home residents were neglected on one or more occasion in the last 12 months. Two nursing home residents' characteristics reported by family members appear to significantly increase the odds of neglect: functional impairments in activities of daily living and previous resident-to-resident victimisation. Behaviour problems were also associated with higher odds of neglect. However there was no strong evidence that social support reduced the risk of abuse except perhaps a suggestion of a link with frequency of visits. The authors emphasise that estimates of neglect were based solely on family reports and this may be a limitation of the study. Policy implications of these results are discussed.

Subject terms:
nursing homes, neglect, older people, challenging behaviour;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
United States
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1540-4129
ISSN print:
0894-6566

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