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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 November 2022

Elsie Yan, Haze K.L. Ng, Rongwei Sun, Daniel W.L. Lai, Sheung-Tak Cheng, Vivian W.Q. Lou, Daniel Y.T. Fong and Timothy Kwok

This study aims to explore the risk and protective factors of abuse on older adults by family caregivers, with a special focus on the protective role of caregiver resilience in…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the risk and protective factors of abuse on older adults by family caregivers, with a special focus on the protective role of caregiver resilience in elder abuse.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional survey was conducted on a purposive sample of 600 family caregivers of community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong (mean age = 71.04 and female = 67.2%). Caregivers reported in a guided interview about elder abuse behaviours, caregiver burden, care recipients’ agitated behaviours, caregiver resilience, self-efficacy, social support and basic demographic characteristics. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the predictors of different forms of elder abuse.

Findings

Caregiver resilience was predictive of lower levels of verbal abuse, physical abuse, injury and financial exploitation but not potentially harmful behaviour (PHB). Social support was independent with all forms of elder abuse, while self-efficacy predicted greater physical abuse after the adjustment of confounding variables. Caregiver burden and agitated behaviours by care recipients remained as significant risk factors in the final models when protective factors were considered.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends current knowledge on the protecting role of resilience in elder abuse in family caregiving. Mixed findings revealed on social support and self-efficacy also highlight the complexity of the prediction of caregiver abuse. Further research should address this area.

Practical implications

The findings of this study warrant the inclusion of caregiver resilience as a key component in developing interventions to prevent elder abuse. Addressing caregiver burden and agitated behaviours have the potential in preventing elder abuse.

Social implications

The findings raise awareness of the importance of supporting caregivers in the community to prevent elder abuse.

Originality/value

Research concerning the protective factors of elder abuse is in a preliminary stage. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first which successfully demonstrates the protective role of resilience in caregiver abuse on older adults. The findings shed invaluable light on the design of effective interventions.

Details

The Journal of Adult Protection, vol. 24 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1466-8203

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 7 October 2014

Elsie Yan

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Abstract

Details

The Journal of Adult Protection, vol. 16 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1466-8203

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2014

Nan Qin and Elsie Yan

The purpose of this paper is to examine the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of fear of crime in older Chinese. Attempt was made to test a theoretical model which integrated…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of fear of crime in older Chinese. Attempt was made to test a theoretical model which integrated the vulnerability model, “broken windows” theory, victimization theory and risk interpretation model.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 453 older adults from a representative sample recruited from Kunming using stratified sampling methods.

Findings

More than half of the participants (n=258, 57.0 percent) reported fear of one or more types of depicted common crime. By comparison, a smaller percentage (n=57, 12.6 percent) reported fear of domestic violence (FDV). Correlational analysis indicated different correlates for fear of common crime (FCC) and FDV. Female gender, a younger age, poor financial and health statuses, perception of greater social instability and neighborhood disorder, direct and/or indirect victimization and perception of a higher risk of victimization were significantly associated with higher levels of FCC. Limited social networks, perception of greater neighborhood disorder, direct and/or indirect victimization and perception of a higher risk of victimization were salient correlates of FDV. The results of hierarchical regression analyses showed that the integrated model explained 37 and 43 percent of the variance in FCC and FDV, respectively.

Originality/value

This study found diverse patterns in terms of the prevalence and risk factors for FCC and FDV. The findings have important implications for policy, practice and research.

Details

The Journal of Adult Protection, vol. 16 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1466-8203

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2014

Celia Chow and Agnes Tiwari

The purpose of this paper is to explore the following questions. First, what are the experiences of family caregivers in caring for community-dwelling stroke survivors? Second…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the following questions. First, what are the experiences of family caregivers in caring for community-dwelling stroke survivors? Second, what services help or do not help the caregivers in managing their caregiving role?

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study was conducted with a total of six focus group interviews with 29 stroke caregivers selected using convenience sampling in a local community centre. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for content analysis.

Findings

The results pointed to three main themes working together to facilitate desirable outcomes in caregiving and prevent elder abuse: factors contributing to caregiver stress and factors that have a buffering effect on caregiver stress and unmet needs identified from caregivers’ experiences.

Research limitations/implications

The authors found that there were a number of factors contributing to caregiver stress. The findings matched with the concept that caregiver stress should not be considered as the primary cause of elder abuse. Findings provided information for further research to investigate positive coping and adjustment for stroke survivors, caregivers and their families.

Practical implications

Policy makers and service providers may consider specific policies and tailor-made services to enhance the effectiveness of current practice. The themes emerging from the study could be further reviewed in a longitudinal way to explore the cost-effectiveness, the outcomes and trajectory of interventional programmes.

Social implications

Education would be essential to let the public understand caregivers’ difficulties and needs. Prevention of elder abuse may be approached with a range of risk factors for both perpetrating and being elder abuse victim.

Originality/value

From the findings of the study, the authors found that there were service gaps within policy and interventions. Concrete suggestions for improving the public's attitude and public facilities/transport for the disabled were captured in the study. In addition to personal resilience, caregivers had a strong wish for a supportive environment and services that would facilitate a better caregiving outcome.

Details

The Journal of Adult Protection, vol. 16 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1466-8203

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2014

Derrick C.K. Tam, Eilo W.Y. Yu and Anise M.S. Wu

Elder mistreatment is a neglected issue in the Macao elder policy. The purpose of this paper is to review the current elder policy as well as legislation on the prevention and…

Abstract

Purpose

Elder mistreatment is a neglected issue in the Macao elder policy. The purpose of this paper is to review the current elder policy as well as legislation on the prevention and management of elder mistreatment in Macao and providing practical suggestions to improve the situation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews government documents and statistics on elder services and policy of Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) government. The authors interviewed frontline social workers for the phenomenon of elder mistreatment in Macao as well as the issues and problems in handling abuse cases.

Findings

This paper argues that the MSAR government has paid attention to financial aid to its senior citizens. In terms of elder care services, the government outsources various elder care services to nonprofit organizations and other private bodies. However, this public-private partnership approach cannot adequately coordinate service providers to prevent and manage elder mistreatment. Furthermore, Macao-mainland integration has encouraged more and more elders to stay in mainland China. Stronger government initiatives are needed to collaborate with Macao society, as well as mainland authorities, regarding the mistreatment of Macao elders.

Research limitations/implications

It is only a review on elder mistreatment in Macao. Further research is needed to survey the extent of mistreatment of elder people in Macao (quantitatively and qualitatively). Besides, more effort has to be paid on the problem and difficulty of frontline social workers handling elder mistreatment.

Practical implications

This paper suggests practical methods and measures to Macao government to manage and prevent elder mistreatment which is a neglect issue in the society.

Social implications

There are very few studies on elder mistreatment in Macao. This paper aims to draw the attention of Macao government and public as well as academic to the issue.

Originality/value

Many scholars and academics studying Macao elders have been directing to the government focus and keep their eye on the pension system and social security for the elderly. Very limited studies have examined the elder care and mistreatment. This paper is a breakthrough of Macao elder studies that serving as a pilot study of elder mistreatment and hence shifting public attention to the intangible need of Macao elder.

Details

The Journal of Adult Protection, vol. 16 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1466-8203

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2014

XinQi Dong, E-Shien Chang, Esther Wong and Melissa A. Simon

The purpose of this paper is to explore US Chinese older adults’ views regarding elder abuse interventions in order to understand barriers and facilitators of help-seeking…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore US Chinese older adults’ views regarding elder abuse interventions in order to understand barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study design was qualitative, using a grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis. Community-based participatory research approach was implemented to partner with the Chicago Chinese community. A total of 37 community-dwelling Chinese older adults (age 60+) participated in focus group discussions.

Findings

Participants viewed many benefits of intervention programs. Perceived barriers were categorized under cultural, social, and structural barriers. Facilitators to implement interventions included increasing education and public health awareness, integrating social support with existing community social services, as well as setting an interdisciplinary team. Perpetrators intervention strategies were also discussed.

Originality/value

This study has wide policy and practice implications for designing and deploying interventions with respect to elder abuse outcome. Modifying the cultural, social, and structural barriers that affect health behavior of Chinese older adults contribute to the salience of elder abuse interventions in this under-served.

Details

The Journal of Adult Protection, vol. 16 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1466-8203

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2014

Daniel W.L. Lai, Gabrielle D. Daoust and Lun Li

The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss existing literature and available research findings related to understanding elder abuse and neglect in culturally diverse…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss existing literature and available research findings related to understanding elder abuse and neglect in culturally diverse communities, particularly the Chinese immigrant community in Canada. The conceptual understandings of elder abuse are examined, based upon the socio-cultural context and challenges faced by aging Chinese immigrants.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous literature and research publications related to elder abuse and neglect related to Chinese in Canada were reviewed and synthesized. Statistical information and research findings were summarized to illustrate the socio-cultural context that defines elder abuse and neglect experienced by aging Chinese immigrants in Canada.

Findings

From a culturally diverse perspective, influence of race, ethnicity, immigrant status, and cultural norms on the recognition, identification, prevention and intervention of elder abuse and neglect are important to consider. A key message for professionals working with the aging population, particularly older immigrants from ethno-cultural minority background, is that understanding the social cultural context in which elder abuse or neglect emerges is critical. For many of the aging Chinese immigrants in Canada, the socio-cultural circumstances that they have experienced, their social environment, and various barriers and challenges further prevent them from being aware of this emerging concern. Cultural norms and practices have played a critical role in their access to preventive and intervention services.

Research limitations/implications

Although this paper is not based upon a particularly empirical research study, the research and literature synthesized are both empirically and conceptually based. As indicated in the review of previous research publications on the subjective matter of elder abuse and neglect in aging Chinese immigrants in Canada is limited. Research on various issues related to elder abuse and neglect in ethno-cultural minority communities is also relatively scant. Evaluation research on prevention and intervention programs is desperately needed so as to facilitate the further establishment of best practice prevention and intervention models that are culturally appropriate and effective. While research engagement with minority groups such as the aging Chinese immigrants who do not speak English or are not familiar with the research culture in the western civilization could be challenging, academic researchers and service providers in both the mainstream and ethno-cultural minority communities should further align themselves in practice-research partnership endeavors to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the aging vulnerable individuals could be better maintained.

Practical implications

In order to provide culturally competent services, service providers should be aware of cultural differences in attitudes towards elder mistreatment, including the ways in which specific types of abuse (e.g. financial abuse) are defined within ethno-cultural communities, and the cultural values and experiences that shape these understandings and determine attitudes or barriers towards reporting, intervention, and service use.

Originality/value

This paper is a first attempt in the research community to synthesize a few critical issues related to elder abuse and neglect in the aging Chinese immigrant community in Canada. The paper has connected previous empirical findings related to Chinese older adults as well as other culturally diverse aging populations to the conceptualization of elder abuse and neglect by considering the unique socio-cultural context faced by the ethnocultural older adults.

Details

The Journal of Adult Protection, vol. 16 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1466-8203

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 25 September 2020

Abstract

Details

Bringing Children Back into the Family: Relationality, Connectedness and Home
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-197-6

Article
Publication date: 24 June 2009

Richard Ely

‘Countrymindedness’ is a resonant but perhaps manufactured term, given wide currency in a 1985 article by political scientist and historian Don Aitkin in the Annual, Australian…

Abstract

‘Countrymindedness’ is a resonant but perhaps manufactured term, given wide currency in a 1985 article by political scientist and historian Don Aitkin in the Annual, Australian Cultural History. Political ideology was his focus, as he charted the rise and fall ‐ from the late nineteenth century to around the 1970s ‐ of some ideological preconceptions of the Australian Country Party. These were physiocratic, populist, and decentralist ‐ physiocratic meaning, broadly, the rural way is best. Aitkin claimed the word was used in Country Party circles in the 1920s and 1930s, but gave no examples. Since the word is in no dictionary of Australian usage, or the Oxford Dictionary, coinage may be more recent. No matter. Countrymindedness is a richly evocative word, useful in analysing rural populism during the last Australian century. I suggest it can usefully be extended to analyzing aspects of the inner history of Euro‐settlement in recent centuries.

Details

History of Education Review, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0819-8691

Keywords

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