NCJ Number
214341
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: 2005 Pages: 21-44
Date Published
2005
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This study used a focus-group design to examine the definitions and perceptions of elder mistreatment (EM) among elders themselves, various ethnic groups, and professionals who serve elderly clients.
Abstract
In judging depictions of caregiving and interactions in the vignettes presented, the focus groups looked for compliance with social expectations regarding gender as well as normative family and marital responsibilities. Regarding specific caregiver responsibilities, the focus groups distinguished between expectations for paid professionals and unpaid, untrained family and volunteer caregivers. They tended to be more lenient in defining EM for nonprofessionals. An issue involved in defining abuse was whether or not the elderly person receiving care or the caregiver was the abuser or the victim. Making this determination depended on judgments about the elderly person's mental capacity, physical dependence, physical attributes, and contribution to the abusive interaction. Other factors in assessing the existence and severity of EM pertained to the characteristics of the interaction, namely, resistance to caregiving, retaliation, habitual occurrence, and the perpetrator's intent. These insights into how older adults view situations of EM and the issues involved can help in developing better ways to promote the reporting of EM. Four separate focus groups obtained diverse perspectives across ethnic groups (African-American, European-American, and Mexican-American) and between laypersons and professionals. This permitted a comparison of data sources. Elderly adults were recruited from senior centers in San Antonio, TX, and professionals were recruited from personal contacts with San Antonio Senior Services. Eighteen individuals participated in the 3 lay focus groups; all were 65 years old or older. Six participants were in the professional focus group. Focus groups determined whether the six vignettes presented to them constituted EM. 1 table, 1 figure, and 21 references