engleski

Elder abuse in institutional settings – from theoretical models to active preventative measures

Institutional neglect is the intentional or unintentional failure of a caregiver to satisfy the needs of an older person. It includes behaviours such as intentional abandonment, withholding of food, medication, or health services. Elder abuse is any action of a formal caregiver that causes harm to an older person, or endangers his/her health and well-being. Theories of violence, such as intrapersonal, interpersonal, multisystem and socio-cultural theory of violence are used to explain the causes of elder abuse and neglect. Elder abuse can take many forms, including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and spiritual. Institutional prevention strategies must be aimed at reducing the risk factors for abuse by caregivers. Caregivers need to be trained on different forms of abuse in order to be able to recognise abuse and take preventive actions. Minimum standards of care in institutional settings are already established ; however, it is necessary to develop guidelines regarding space and equipment, and to define more clearly the education structure and the number of caregivers.

older persons, caregivers, forms of abuse, theories of violence

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