Citation

Mysyuk Y, Westendorp RG, Lindenberg J. Int. Psychogeriatr. 2013; 25(8): 1267-1274.

Affiliation

Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing, Poortgebouw LUMC, Rijnsburgerweg 10, 2333 AA Leiden, the Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/S1041610212002281

PMID

23290192

Abstract

Background: The role of individual characteristics in incidences of elder abuse has long been highest on research and policy agendas. Now, it is timely to discuss factors that go beyond victim and perpetrator. Environmental factors also play an important role in elder abuse. In this paper, we address the framing of elder abuse as a social and health problem. Attention is paid to the factors that influence societal context and the healthcare system, its organization, structure, and principles. Methods: Focus groups and in-depth semi-structured interviews were held with different professionals and older people themselves. Qualitative analysis of focus groups and interviews transcripts was performed to analyze how different professional groups and older persons themselves view elder abuse, to determine opinions and attitudes toward elder abuse and the necessary actions that should be taken to prevent or intervene in the problem. Results: Two main explanatory frameworks emerged in the discourse of older persons and care professionals: social arrangements and healthcare system. The themes within the social arrangements included social taboo, social control and responsibility, and institutional cultures. The fragmentation of care and changes in the financing of healthcare were two aspects distinguished within the framework of the healthcare system. Conclusion: Two explanatory frameworks showed elder abuse as both a social and health problem. The environmental factors through social arrangements and healthcare system have an influence on framing of abuse. The different ways of framing abuse impact the understanding of abuse, ways of intervention, and prevention measures.

Language: en