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1 – 10 of 817João F. Fundinho and José Ferreira-Alves
Risk assessment in elder abuse is usually considered an additive process; risk factors are viewed as independent, and the higher the number of risk factors, the higher the risk…
Abstract
Purpose
Risk assessment in elder abuse is usually considered an additive process; risk factors are viewed as independent, and the higher the number of risk factors, the higher the risk. This study aims to explore the effect of the interaction between cognitive structures (episodic memory, perceptual speed, verbal fluency, executive function) and functional dependency on elder abuse.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors collected data from 62 participants, aged between 64 and 94 years old, in the Minho region of Portugal. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to apply the assessment procedures.
Findings
Results showed that emotional abuse is predicted by episodic memory and phonemic fluency, financial abuse by perceptual speed and phonemic fluency and neglect by perceptual speed. Moderation analysis showed that these effects were greater for older adults with higher dependence on movement and lower dependence on hygiene and daily organization. This study supports the hypothesis that the risk of elder abuse is interactive, highlighting a limitation of current risk assessment procedures.
Originality/value
The current study explores the possibility of risk factors for elder abuse interacting. Understanding how risk factors interact can help to design more accurate measures of the risk of elder abuse.
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Kuan-Yu Yueh and Wen-Jung Chang
This paper aims to explore the trends in academic research on elder abuse from 1990 to 2023 using bibliometric analysis. It seeks to identify research trends, hotspots and gaps…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the trends in academic research on elder abuse from 1990 to 2023 using bibliometric analysis. It seeks to identify research trends, hotspots and gaps and proposes future research directions.
Design/methodology/approach
Using bibliometric analysis method, this study analyzes 2,404 documents related to elder abuse from the Scopus database. Visual analysis is conducted using VOSviewer software to reveal research trends, thematic clusters and their interrelationships.
Findings
The study shows a rising concern for elder abuse, especially in nursing homes, domestic settings and among dementia patients. However, research on prevention and intervention measures is lacking, despite increasing international collaboration. Yet, deeper exploration of cross-cultural and regional differences remains limited.
Practical implications
This study reveals that improving care conditions for nursing home residents and dementia patients requires increased funding, professional training for caregivers, the strengthening of regulations and the establishment of clear guidelines for reporting abuse. Additionally, promoting international cooperation, sharing best practices, raising public awareness and supporting ongoing research are essential measures to ensure the safety and dignity of older adults.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first systematic review of elder abuse research using bibliometric analysis, providing researchers and policymakers with a comprehensive knowledge framework of the field’s development trends and research hotspots.
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Ashfaque Ahmed Talpur, Tony Ryan, Sharron Hinchliff, Stephanie Ejegi-Memeh and Parveen Ali
Elder mistreatment (EM) is a complex, universal health and social problem predominantly studied in the indigenous (white) populations of Western countries. This has led to…
Abstract
Purpose
Elder mistreatment (EM) is a complex, universal health and social problem predominantly studied in the indigenous (white) populations of Western countries. This has led to consideration of dominant explanations as universal, potentially masking crucial cultural and ethnic differences. This study aims to fill the gap in elder mistreatment literature for the Pakistani community, offering unique perspectives to inform culturally sensitive policy recommendations.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach, anchored in the philosophical basis of constructivist grounded theory, was used to investigate understandings of EM among Pakistanis in Sheffield, UK. This involved two gender-based focus groups (male = 1; female = 1) and 22 in-depth individual interviews, engaging a diverse participant pool, including older people, family caregivers and community stakeholders.
Findings
This study reveals diverse understandings of elder mistreatment (EM) among Pakistani adults, varying across age and gender groups, with distinguished key forms identified. Reporting EM is crucial, but victims face complex decision-making, hindered by societal and individual barriers, including moral and cultural dilemmas. Access to formal support is limited, emphasising the need for targeted interventions.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to delve into the perspectives of Pakistanis on elder mistreatment. It emphasises the importance of policymakers and service providers integrating considerations of race, ethnicity, culture and gender to develop inclusive services, as indicated by the study’s findings.
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Amir Wani, Showkat Ganaie and Aneesa Shafi
In the current scenario, with rapid socioeconomic transformation occurring in all aspects of society, the adversities experienced by older adults have come to the forefront. The…
Abstract
Purpose
In the current scenario, with rapid socioeconomic transformation occurring in all aspects of society, the adversities experienced by older adults have come to the forefront. The lived experiences within joint families are making it harder for the elderly to adjust to the changed familial setup. In such a situation, they undergo many problems which are most often overlooked and considered not worthy of serious attention. Loneliness and isolation are the most crucial and serious issues experienced by the elderly within the nuclear family. After spending a significantly larger part of their lives within large families, with caring people, interdependent, adjusting to the changing familial setup has become hard and strenuous. Moreover, lack of emotional support is yet another major concern of the elderly. As they grow older, care and emotional support become necessary to maintain an effective and active life in old age. However, such emotional support and care that the joint family offered is missing in the changing familial setup. Now, in light of these issues, this paper aims to explore the multidimensional concerns of the elderly (60 years and above) who, on account of familial transitioning from joint to nuclear in Kashmir, are experiencing isolation and other, hard to adjust, life changes. The paper is based on 20 oral narratives conducted, over time, with elderly people undergoing life changes due to family transition from joint to nuclear. The finding of the study revealed that the elderly experience a greater degree of change in their lifestyle due to the family transition from joint to nuclear.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a qualitative study that describes the multidimensional concerns of the older adults. The study was conducted in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir using in-depth face-to-face interviews with 20 respondents aged 60 years and above who have witnessed a transition in family from joint to nuclear and have undergone many problems during this transition. Apart from this, two interviews with the sons of older persons were also included in the study to know the status of age in the current situation. After the data was collected from the first 10 respondents, the study witnessed a data saturation, as the same set of results were obtained. Meanwhile, 3 more respondents were included in the study to make sure that no data was left behind; however, again same results were witnessed. This led the investigator to halt the data collection process. Thereafter, the data was then analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis technique, which involved familiarizing oneself with the data, looking for themes, validating and refining themes, identifying and labeling themes and finally creating the report.
Findings
The traditional joint family is undergoing rapid transformation in the current scenario. With a trend toward the nuclearization of families, which resulted in the diminishing status of the elderly, the vulnerabilities of the elderly have come to the forefront (Kumar et al., 2014). The transition of the family from joint to nuclear can be difficult for the elderly as it involves the elderly having to adjust and adapt to a new social milieu, which can be quite complex as it involves major changes in their lifestyle and daily routine. The elderly may also experience difficulty with increased social isolation and reduced family interaction. Such problems may seem insignificant and trivial to the younger ones, but stepping into the shoes of the elderly would help us understand the intensity and vulnerability of such problems. This cultural shift is quickly making changes, in part due to the rise of individualism in modern societies and the existence of a consumerist perspective among the younger generations. Such situations lead to greater alienation and isolation among the elderly from society in general and the members of the family in particular.
Originality/value
The is an empirical study conducted to know the status of older adults in nuclear families.
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Asadirew Zerihun Gebremichael, Abraham Zelalem Teshome, Messay Gebremariam Kotecho and Margaret E. Adamek
Older people in Ethiopia are a vulnerable group due to the lack of governmental and societal support. The absence of national social protection and the decline in family support…
Abstract
Purpose
Older people in Ethiopia are a vulnerable group due to the lack of governmental and societal support. The absence of national social protection and the decline in family support contributes to older adults’ vulnerability, furthering a climate of ageism. This study aims to explore the role of the Ethiopian Elders and Pensioner's National Association (EEPNA) in reframing the image of older adults and advocating for their rights.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected using multiple approaches: interviews with older adult members of EEPNA (n = 8), a focus group of older members (n = 7) and key informant interviews (n = 3). Narrative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis.
Findings
Findings revealed that EEPNA plays a pivotal role in promoting access to services and advocating for older adults’ rights, offering capacity-building programs, supporting vulnerable older adults to gain access to secure incomes and strengthening the network of older peoples’ associations. Older participants noted that the government had not ratified the National Convention for Older People, creating a considerable challenge to the association’s efforts.
Practical implications
Stakeholders can advocate with and on behalf of older adults to enhance the societal view of older adults in Ethiopia and to promote policies to increase their access to needed resources.
Originality/value
Using a strengths-based approach, this study presents the perspectives of older adult advocates who are fighting to create awareness of the needs of vulnerable older people in Ethiopia and to advance their rights.
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Kristina Marie Kokorelias, Anna Grosse, Dara Dillion, Joshua Wyman, Elsa Nana Nzepa, Meena Bhardwaj, Andrea Austen and Samir K. Sinha
This paper aims to provide an in-depth examination of culturally and linguistically diverse older adults’ perceptions of and experiences with the Toronto Police Service to inform…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide an in-depth examination of culturally and linguistically diverse older adults’ perceptions of and experiences with the Toronto Police Service to inform the development of a training curriculum for police officers working with older persons.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative descriptive study using virtual focus groups with 26 older adults from Toronto was conducted.
Findings
Three main themes emerged: understanding intersectionality; the impact of police officer attitudes and biases; and the need for age-friendly policing. Although many older adults rely on police services to keep them safe, there is dissatisfaction with some aspects of how police interact with older adults, particularly from minority groups.
Originality/value
Participants were older adults from culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse backgrounds who are not usually included in studies on improving police services.
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Zahra Salah Eldin, Mohamed Elsheemy and Raghda Ali Abdelrahman
Many countries around the world are facing great challenges from their ageing population with shrinking workforce, this will put more pressure on their financial system and will…
Abstract
Purpose
Many countries around the world are facing great challenges from their ageing population with shrinking workforce, this will put more pressure on their financial system and will increase the public spending on care costs provided to older people. Egypt is in the phase of establishing a new law for older people care's rights, a law that will organise how older people in need for care would benefit from access to government financial support and how will families support their older relatives financially and how the care costs will be shared between the older people, their families and the government.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper examines the suitability two cost-sharing methods and applying them to assess the effect on the individuals and families' income strain.
Findings
The preferred approach can be used for sharing costs as it applies a gradual funding withdrawal by the government and provide more fairness and flexibility for application in different regions. Besides, the parameters of this approach can be used by policy makers to control the levels of funding.
Originality/value
The paper will be the first to discuss the intergenerational fairness from a financial perspective in Egypt to avoid forcing older people into poverty or resorting to poverty trade-off.
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Eley Suzana Kasim, Noor Rohin Awalludin, Nurazilah Zainal, Allezawati Ismail and Nurul Huda Ahmad Shukri
This study aims to investigate the effects of financial literacy, financial behaviour and financial stress on awareness of investment scams among retirees.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effects of financial literacy, financial behaviour and financial stress on awareness of investment scams among retirees.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a questionnaire survey, data was distributed to 200 retirees. A total of 53 responses were obtained. The data was subsequently analysed using PLS-SEM version 3 software.
Findings
Findings indicated that while financial literacy has a significant influence on awareness, there is no conclusive evidence to support the relationship between financial behaviour and financial stress on awareness. These results highlighted the critical need to strengthen financial literacy among retirees as a prevention mechanism for them to avoid from being scammed.
Research limitations/implications
The finding from this study is relevant to regulators and law enforcement agencies to aid potential and actual retirees by educating them on the danger of investment scams.
Originality/value
As there are relatively few studies conducted on investment scams specifically among retirees, this study extends the investment scam literature by examining the underlying factors that affect their awareness towards the fraudulent activities.
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This paper aims to introduce the concept of using the well-established Shared Lives approach to support survivors of domestic abuse with complex needs including those with…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to introduce the concept of using the well-established Shared Lives approach to support survivors of domestic abuse with complex needs including those with learning and physical disabilities, older people and carers.
Design/methodology/approach
Survivors with complex needs are often excluded from traditional domestic abuse support services thus increasing their risk and making recovery impossible. Using the Shared Lives approach in suitable cases could address gaps in provision and improve the outcomes for survivors with disabilities, older survivors and carers.
Findings
The paper draws on evidence from reports and research about the experiences of these cohorts of survivors to explain how the Shared Lives approach could increase support options for specific categories of survivors.
Practical implications
Using the Shared Lives approach to support cohorts of victims/survivors who experience barriers to accessing support could improve outcomes for these people, reduce risk of serious harm and improve quality of life.
Originality/value
With the recent recommendation from Association of Directors of Adult Social Services around increasing use of Shared Lives, this paper provides one potential way to meet this recommendation.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature review on what is known about unpaid family carers who are at risk of or have experienced abuse from the people they provide…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature review on what is known about unpaid family carers who are at risk of or have experienced abuse from the people they provide care for and relevant policy/legal and practice responses for affected family carers.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature search was carried out to locate literature relating to unpaid family carers who are at risk of or have experienced abuse from the people they provide care for. This also incorporated grey literature, including policy guidance and law, to determine the existing knowledge base, gaps in practice and areas that might require further research.
Findings
The findings suggest that although carer harm is serious, it is under-researched. In addition, the unique needs of unpaid family carers who are at risk of or have experienced abuse, violence and harm from the people they provide care for are subsumed in safeguarding policy/law processes and practice under the auspices of the protection of “adults at risk” rather than the protection of “carers at risk”.
Research limitations/implications
It is important that those who support unpaid family carers who are at risk of abuse and harm know about their unique safeguarding needs and concerns to offer appropriate support. It is also apparent that policy and law need to address the gap in provision relating to the unique safeguarding concerns involving the abuse of unpaid family carers by the people they provide care for. This paper is based on this literature review and not on other types of research.
Originality/value
The paper provides insights into what is known about the abuse of unpaid family carers by the people they provide care for, and the policy/legal and practice responses to affected unpaid family carers. It contributes to the body of knowledge on carer abuse and safeguarding carers from abuse and harm.
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