NCJ Number
199189
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect Volume: 13 Issue: 3 Dated: 2001 Pages: 61-77
Date Published
2001
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This research builds on past research in considering whether different approaches among those involved in responding to elder abuse are based on opinions or misperceptions.
Abstract
Past research agrees that elder abuse is a multidisciplinary problem that requires a multidisciplinary response system. Little research has examined the role of individuals in responding to cases of elder abuse in nursing homes. The current research fills this void by considering the way that members of three groups (nursing home directors, ombudsmen, and police chiefs) perceive elder abuse. Of particular concern in this study were whether individuals who responded to elder abuse had divergent values or beliefs and whether different responding groups varied in the knowledge they have accumulated about elder abuse. A modified survey of one used earlier (Payne et al., 1999; Payne and Berg, 2000) was sent to 100 nursing home directors and police chiefs in 4 States (Alabama, California, Colorado, and New York). In all, 73 nursing home professionals and 119 police chiefs returned usable surveys. A total of 203 State ombudsmen returned usable surveys. Findings show that there are differences in the ways police chiefs, nursing home directors, and ombudsmen understand the elder abuse problem, as well as some differences in their opinions. These differences, however, are not as significant as those based on the interpretation of "facts." The groups did not agree on the extent of elderly criminal victimization or the extent of victimization in nursing homes. The groups also varied in their opinions about crime in the lives of elderly persons and the appropriate response from the justice system. Research limitations and suggestions for further research are discussed. 4 tables and 20 references