Understanding repeated visits to adult protective services
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore Protective Service (PS) caseworker opinions related to why some older adults require repeated services.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, focus groups were conducted with a major Adult Protective Services (APS) office, recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Findings
Results from the qualitative analytic method of thematic analysis produced four overarching themes: poor communication between referral sources and APS; PS caseworkers as gatekeepers; self-determination; and changes in health conditions and family dynamics.
Practical implications
The documented themes appear amenable to education interventions for both professionals and families.
Originality/value
These new data add depth to the understanding of the PS caseworker experience and help guide research related to areas that need educational interventions with older adults who access APS and the professionals and families involved in such cases.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge the PS caseworkers who participated and thank them for their contributions to the field and the people they serve.
Citation
Susman, A., Lees, K.E. and Fulmer, T. (2015), "Understanding repeated visits to adult protective services", The Journal of Adult Protection, Vol. 17 No. 6, pp. 391-399. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-03-2015-0005
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited