Nurses' knowledge about elder abuse

Abstract

Elder abuse is a universal phenomenon that is nowadays being taken more seriously (Anetzberger 1987). Since the seventies when it became an issue (Ajomale 2007), a lot has been done to focus upon rights, equality and pursuit of quality life for the elderly (especially in Europe). Hence, the role of the nurse towards caring for the abused elderly is significantly important. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of nurses working in a local long term care facility for the elderly regarding the issue of abuse of older people. The objective of this study was achieved by collecting a combination of qualitative and quantitative data through a convenience sample of twenty (n=20) nurses that agreed to voluntary participate in this small-scale study. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. As can be seen from the responses, the findings contain the raw data gathered through the questionnaires, which despite limitations, houses vital information indispensable for these nurses to fulfil their role in the care of abused elderly people. The findings also indicated that participants were knowledgeable in certain fields of elder abuse such as the characteristics that pre-dispose the elderly to abuse. Training and seminars for the nurses must be provided especially on how to identify instances of abuse, if this problem of older people is to be solved. Policies and laws should be formulated and resources allocated to provide for the well being of older persons.