NCJ Number
188757
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect Volume: 12 Issue: 3/4 Pages: 53-70
Date Published
2000
Length
18 pages
Annotation
In this Project CARE study (Montreal, Canada), intervention plans for 83 cases of abuse and neglect of older adults living in the community, with a total of 473 strategies, are analyzed in a qualitative content analysis method.
Abstract
The 473 strategies are designed and implemented by an abuse-trained, multidisciplinary, health and social service agency, home care team. Each strategy is rated by the team for its acceptance/refusal by clients and levels of success. The most accepted and successful strategies for abused older adults are concrete: nursing and other medical care and homemaking assistance, followed by empowerment strategies, such as support groups for abused older adults, information about rights and resources, and volunteer buddy/advocates. Less successful strategies for abused persons are referrals to general community activities and programs. For caregiver abusers, the most successful and accepted interventions involve individual supportive counseling to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression, as well as education and training. Abuser-oriented strategies are most accepted and successful in the study. Thus, it is important for intervenors to focus services and strategies on abusers, and not only on their older victims, offering them supportive individual counseling to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. For abused care receivers, home-based services can provide the necessary support to move out of their abusive situation with the help of volunteers and support group activities. 3 figures, 4 tables, and a 30-item bibliography