Abuse by Caregivers

Paper Summary:

This research investigates the problem of elder abuse. The research focuses on the identification of the factors underlying the problem.
In the study, both the frequency and the severity of physical and emotional abuse are found to be related positively with the level of stress perceived by caregivers, the cognitive status of the elderly person, the physical status of the elderly person, and the substance abuse status of caregivers. Both the frequency and the severity of financial abuse are also found to be related positively with the level of financial stress characterizing the caregiver-elderly person relationship.
The findings of this study that caregiver stress and substance abuse by caregivers affect the frequency and severity of physical and emotional abuse, and that financial stress affects the frequency and severity of financial abuse are consistent with current theory. The findings that the frequency and severity of elder abuse are related to both the cognitive and physical status of the elderly person for whom care is provided, however, are consistent with some current theory but also are contrary to some current theory. The study concludes that further research is recommended to explore in greater depth the relationship between elder abuse and the physical and mental status of the elderly person for who care is provided in a family environment. Further research also is recommended with respect to developing improved schemes for providing financial assistance for such caring arrangements.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Definitions of Terms
Overview of the Remainder of the Study
Review of the Literature
Cognitive Abilities and Development
Stress
Related Research
Conclusions Relative to the Study Problem
Method
Hypotheses
Variables and Operational Definitions
Population and Sample
Instrumentation
Data Analysis
Summary
Results
Results Testing Hypothesis 1
Results Testing Hypothesis 2
Results Testing Hypothesis 3
Results Testing Hypothesis 4
Results Testing Hypothesis 5
Results Testing Hypothesis 6
Results Testing Hypothesis 7
Results Testing Hypothesis 8
Results Testing Hypothesis 9
Results Testing Hypothesis 10
Discussion
Summary of the Results
Discussion and Implications for Current Theory
Recommendations for Further Research
Implications for Professional Practice
References

From the Paper:

"The increasing awareness that some elderly persons are physically abused and neglected by family members has been accompanied by a widespread assumption about elder abuse: that it is inflicted by well meaning individuals, often the adult children of victims, who are pushed over the edge by the stress of caring for a frail, dependent old person. According to Pillemer & Finkelhor (1989), the falsity of that assumption was revealed by findings that relatively well-functioning elderly people were found to usually be the victims of abuse, which is often inflicted by emotionally disturbed or violent family members. A typical abuser was found to be a person who depends on the victim for money, transportation, housing and household repairs. Elderly victims were no more disabled or dependent on their abusers than were comparison subjects on their relatives. Abusers, however, were much more likely than relatives in the comparison group to have been arrested, hospitalized for a psychiatric disorder, involved in violent behavior outside the family, or limited by a physical problem (Pillemer & Finkelhor, 1989). The generalizations of these findings have been challenged by more recent studies (Saad, Hartman, Kurian, Graham, Wilcock, & Ballard, 1995).
Some states have passed laws for mandatory reporting of elder abuse, which means that doctors and social workers must report suspected abuse (Arbetter, 1995). Communities are encouraging neighbors to keep an eye on seniors. Some communities are considering the establishment of shelters similar to those organized for battered women. Some communities also are expanding senior day care services and support services for caregivers (Arbetter, 1995)."

More papers on Abuse by Caregivers:

• Research Paper # 143217 : "Elder Abuse by Caregivers"
• Term Paper # 97302 : "Elder Abuse"
• Term Paper # 94883 : "Elderly Substance Abuse"

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