Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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Neglect of older people: touching on forensic and pathophysiological aspects
- Authors:
- ALTENDORF Annette, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 60(6), 2020, pp.e449-e465.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Neglect of older people is common and may result in fatal and nonfatal outcomes. Normal changes of aging and disease-related symptoms may overlap with markers of neglect and lead to under-detection. This review aims to delineate medical, psychiatric, and pathophysiological indicators in the victim—identified in forensic case reports—to point out areas of overlap and raise awareness in Health Care Professionals.Research Design and Methods: Medical and forensic databases were searched with the search terms: neglect, elder, elderly, forensic, homicide for detailed case reports on elder neglect. Cases were reviewed as to victim age, sex, medical/psychiatric diagnosis, perpetrator, victim-to-perpetrator relationship, cause of death (if fatal), location of incident, autopsy findings (if fatal), and ancillary studies. A total of 168 publications were retrieved, of these 11 publications, containing a total of 25 cases, yielded sufficient detail on each case to be included in the qualitative analysis. Results: Neglect is associated with poor physical, psychological, and mental health. Neglect can be a direct cause of death or contribute to a fatal outcome by exacerbating existing conditions. Red flags of neglect included malnutrition, dehydration, poor hygiene, untreated decubitus ulcers, hypothermia, contractures, and an uncooperative caregiver. However, incontrovertible evidence of neglect is not always easy to obtain due to age and disease-related changes. Discussion and Implications: The findings document the extent and seriousness of elder neglect and highlight the importance of detailed documentation as well as collaboration between clinicians, allied health professionals, law enforcement and medical forensic services to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of further incidents. (Publisher abstract)
Access to justice for victims/survivors of elder abuse: a qualitative study
- Authors:
- CLARKE Alan, WILLIAMS John, WYDALL Sarah
- Journal article citation:
- Social Policy and Society, 15(2), 2016, pp.207-220.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Elder abuse can be conceptualised as a social problem, a crime problem and a human rights issue. This article presents the findings from an evaluation of the ‘Access to Justice’ Pilot Project for victims/survivors of elder abuse, which was launched in 2010 as part of the Welsh Government's six-year integrated strategy for tackling domestic abuse. It was designed to address the needs of older people in domestic settings and facilitate their access to criminal and civil justice options. Between April and July 2012, case study data were obtained for 131 individuals. A total of thirty-three interviews and a focus group were conducted with service providers, potential service users and practitioners drawn from relevant statutory and third sector groups. The article explores multi-agency responses to elder abuse and addresses the victim‒perpetrator dynamic. Reactive and proactive types of perpetrator behaviour are identified and interdependence is described as a feature of the victim‒perpetrator relationship. (Publisher abstract)
The needs of older women: services for victims of elder abuse and other abuse
- Author:
- JOSEPH ROWNTREE FOUNDATION
- Publisher:
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2000
- Pagination:
- 4p.
- Place of publication:
- York
Much of the research to date about the abuse older people face hasfocused on definition, prevalence and incidence. There has been little research into how to work with older people who have been victims of abuse. The aim of this project was to identify women who had been victims of elder abuse and various other abuses in order to consider their life experiences and consequent past and present needs. Presents the findings.
The needs of older women: services for the victims of elder abuse and other abuses
- Author:
- PRITCHARD Jacki
- Publisher:
- Policy Press,|Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2000
- Pagination:
- 119p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Bristol|York
Research study focusing on the needs of older women suffering abuse. Looks at the views of the women themselves, and also of social care staff working with elder abuse. Uses their evidence to provide good practice recommendations. Highlights the complex and long term needs of abused older women and the problems experienced by workers. Argues that a more positive attitude towards older people and flexible multi agency working are essential for the provision of effective services for victims of elder abuse.
Lost horizon
- Author:
- SEYMOUR Jane
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing Times, 26.3.97, 1997, p.43.
- Publisher:
- Nursing Times
Abuse of older people does not always stem from deliberate harm or neglect. It can also happen when professionals get their priorities wrong. The author looks at some typical cases.
Protection of the elderly under the constitution
- Author:
- DU PLESSIS L.M.
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work Maatskaplike Werk, 32(1), 1996, pp.45-52.
Focuses on the plight of the exploited and thereby oppressed elderly, exploring new opportunities to address their dilemma. These opportunities have presented themselves with the birth of a new (albeit transitional) constitution. Argues that their proper exploration will require planning and well-strategised efforts from those who take the plight of the maltreated elderly to heart.
After older adult maltreatment: service needs and barriers
- Authors:
- OLOMI Julie M., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 62(7), 2019, pp.749-761.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Little research is available specific to the service needs or related barriers of maltreated older adults. Further, no studies have asked at-risk older adults directly for their perspectives on service needs and barriers. As part of a larger study, a sample of 40 diverse older adults (M age = 76 years) were recruited from the population of older adults who were involved in an abuse, neglect, and/or financial exploitation case where the offender was in a position of trust to the victim. Responses to open-ended questions about participants’ service needs and reasons for not seeking services were thematically coded. The majority of older adults expressed needing more help than currently received, with needs including transportation, housing, food, household assistance, and medical and mental health care. Participants also described reasons their service needs were not being met. The study elaborates on the specifics and descriptive statistics of the themes that emerged. Implications for older-adult victim services, as well as broader older-adult services, are discussed. (Publisher abstract)
Information and guidance on domestic abuse: safeguarding older people in Wales
- Authors:
- WALES. Welsh Government, OLDER PEOPLE'S COMMISSIONER FOR WALES
- Publisher:
- Welsh Government
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 53
- Place of publication:
- Cardiff
Good practice guidance to help professionals recognise, respond and provide support to older people who are experiencing or who have experienced domestic abuse. It outlines the characteristics of domestic abuse experienced by older people, including coercive control; older people’s experience of domestic abuse, and their possible reluctance to disclose abuse; identifying and responding to abuse; referral options and using existing safeguarding processes; and helps professionals address the complexities of working with older people who need care and support as a result of domestic abuse, but who also require professionals to respond to their other care and support needs. The guide includes short case studies and a summary of key relevant legislation. (Edited publisher abstract)
The impact of power differentials on the care experiences of older people
- Author:
- DOYLE Susanna
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 26(3), 2014, pp.319-332.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This study explored the lived experience of a small group of older people living in South East Queensland receiving community-based care while living in their own homes. In-depth unstructured interviews were used in this interpretive hermeneutic phenomenological study to encourage participants to raise experiences that held meaning for them as individuals. Many reported a range of experiences demonstrating active power differentials between themselves as recipients of care and their carers, and impacting on their sense of independence and autonomy. The experiences described provide guidance on how care services might better address the needs of older people, from their own perspective. (Publisher abstract)
Abuse of the non-institutionalised aged: dilemmas of policy and practice
- Author:
- BIVIANO Nancee
- Journal article citation:
- Australian Social Work, 49(4), December 1996, pp.41-46.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This article explore the Australian responses to the problems of abuse of the non-institutionalised aged. There is a lack of definition of what constitutes aged abuse and its causes. Australian policy responses are compared to those of the USA with its mandatory reporting systems. Approaches used to combat child abuse and domestic violence are not easily transferable to the problem of aged abuse and overlook the specific needs of the aged as individuals and as a group. The article proposes a more helpful approach might include emphasis on unmet needs of the aged. It concludes that Australian policy needs to take an active but cautious approach, paying adequate attention to the suitability and availability of support services while recognising the complexity of individual circumstances, so that balancing self-determination and duty of care can be a paramount goal of policy aimed at protecting the ono-institutionalised aged from abuse.