Physical Abuse of Older Adults in Nursing Homes: A Random Sample Survey of Adults With an Elderly Family Member in a Nursing Home

• NCJ Number: 238107
• Journal: Journal of Elder Abuse Volume: 24 Issue: 1 Dated: January - March 2012 Pages: 65-83
• Author(s): Lawrence B. Schiamberg Ph.D.; James Oehmke Ph.D.; Zhenmei Zhang Ph.D.; Gia E. Barboza Ph.D.; Robert J. Griffore Ph.D.; Levente Von Heydrich M.S.W., Ph.D.; Lori Post Ph.D.; Robin P. Weatherill Ph.D.
• Date Published: January 2012
• Length: 19 pages
• Grant Number(s): CFDA 93.778
• Sponsoring Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study focused on elder abuse in nursing home settings.

Abstract

Few empirical studies have focused on elder abuse in nursing home settings. The present study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of staff physical abuse among elderly individuals receiving nursing home care in Michigan. A random sample of 452 adults with elderly relatives, older than 65 years, and in nursing home care completed a telephone survey regarding elder abuse and neglect experienced by this elder family member in the care setting. Some 24.3 percent of respondents reported at least one incident of physical abuse by nursing home staff. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the importance of various risk factors in nursing home abuse. Limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs), older adult behavioral difficulties, and previous victimization by nonstaff perpetrators were associated with a greater likelihood of physical abuse. Interventions that address these risk factors may be effective in reducing older adult physical abuse in nursing homes. Attention to the contextual or ecological character of nursing home abuse is essential, particularly in light of the findings of this study. (Published Abstract)