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Reducing abuse of older people with dementia and their carers
Author(s) -
Koch Susan,
Nay Rhonda
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2003.tb00496.x
Subject(s) - dementia , elder abuse , intervention (counseling) , set (abstract data type) , psychology , psychiatry , medicine , nursing , suicide prevention , poison control , medical emergency , disease , pathology , computer science , programming language
Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify and investigate the issue of elder abuse amongst older people with dementia and their carers. Methods: An expert reference group was established and a comprehensive literature review was undertaken. Discussion forums and in‐depth interviews were held with interested stakeholders to identify issues regarding abuse, and any related strategies that are ‘currently in place, being developed or required. Results: Attempting to develop one concise definition of abuse can be unhelpful, and cases should instead be assessed in relation to their unique contexts. Participants expressed a need for better education and availability of information about elder abuse related to dementia. Strategies to reduce abuse were identified. Conclusion: Participants clearly identified that a preventative approach is integral in the successful reduction of abuse and that any formal intervention needs to reflect the unique set of circumstances pertaining to abuse of each person with dementia and/or their carers.