Research Projects
'A Total Indifference to our Dignity - Older people's understandings of elder abuse'
Outline of Study
Despite extensive research on elder abuse, very few studies have considered the perceptions of service users. Studies that do exist show the complex dynamics that exist within abusive families and offer some indicators as to the most appropriate response. A World Health Organisation study (WHO/INPEA 2002) conducted focus groups in eight different countries to ascertain the views of older people on elder abuse. While some differences were noted between groups they all emphasised the devaluing of older people in families and communities. Physical and sexual abuse were rarely discussed but the erosion of rights, choice, dignity and respect were common themes.
The debate on elder abuse has shifted from defining forms of abuse to how best to respond to and protect older adults against aggression, violence and exploitation. Governments and service providers have favoured protective and legalistic approaches to elder abuse. Yet the law and protective services alone can not adequately protect vulnerable older adults (McCallum1993). It can be argued therefore, that more sustainable and proactive models of service delivery which interweave informal sources of support (family, friends, peers etc.) with formal services (health, welfare, advocacy and legal services) are the key to empowering older adults in communities.
Aims: The aims of the study were: (i) to define what older adults perceive as elder abuse; (ii) to identify what older adults consider to be the main threats to their personal safety and wellbeing in their communities; (iii) identify formal and informal supports which older adults would access if they considered they were at risk of abuse and the reasons for this; (iv) identify sources of support which older adults would not access if they experienced abuse; (v) explore older adults views on how current supports and services could be improved, developed or enhanced and (vi) compare and contrast older adults use of and access to service across different regions in Ireland. Addressing these aims will help to identify new models of intervention and identify groups of older adults who are excluded from services and the reasons for this.
Study design: The study design was overseen by the Research Management Team; as well as input from an Advisory Network. Eight focus groups with older people across urban and rural areas in the North and South of Ireland were conducted. Elder abuse is a sensitive issue, therefore to encourage and engage respondents; a number of older people co-facilitated these groups (following appropriate training in applied social research). Data collection was conducted using vignettes (case scenarios). Respondents were recruited through existing networks and all focus groups were audio/videotaped.
Funder: Centre for Ageing Research and Development (CARDI) Grant Programme (25,000Euro).
Partners: AgeAction (Dr Emer Begley), SPARC Trinity College (Dr Janet Carter Anand), Dr Brian Taylor, University of Ulster & Mr Campbell Killick South East Health and Social Care Trust