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

Lawrence B. Schiamberg*, James Oehmke, Zhenmei Zhang, Gia E. Barboza, Robert J. Griffore, Levente Von Heydrich, Lori A. Post, Robin P. Weatherill, Teresa Mastin

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

73 Scopus citations

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% 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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)65-83
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of Elder Abuse and Neglect
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

Funding

This research was supported by a grant from the Centers for Medicaid/Medicare Service #CFDA 93.778 to Michigan State University.

Keywords

  • Ecological perspective
  • Elder abuse
  • Nursing homes
  • Physical abuse

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)

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