A Study about Elder Abuse Experiences of Elderly People

So, Heeyoung; Kim, Hyunli; Jung, Miyeon

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was to explore elderly people's elder abuse experiences, and the relations between the abuse experiences (direct and indirect) and their level of activities of daily living, family relations and self-integrity. METHOD: A descriptive survey was conducted, and the participants were 108 elderly people. Data were analyzed using SPSS by descriptive statistics and t-test. RESULT: It was that indirect abuse experiences of the elder was higher than direct abuse experiences. In this research, the most common kind of direct elder abuse was 'psychological abuse and negligence', and the severity was low. The largest portion of indirect abuse experiences belonged to 'physical abuse and negligence', and the severity was high. The older people who had direct abuse experiences showed lowered self-integrity and serious family problems and stress.
CONCLUSION
The experiences of elder abuse showed differences in family relations and self integrity. Hence, there should be a nursing intervention improving psycho-social factors such as self integrity and family relations, and systematic and easily available supporting organizations for victims of elder abuse.