Under Reporting of Abuse of Older Adults in the Canadian Prairie Provinces. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roger, Kerstin; Walsh, Christine A.; Goodridge, Donna; Miller, Stacey; Cewick, Marina; Liepert, Carla
• Is Part Of: SAGE Open. Volume 11:Number 4(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: abuse of older adults -- reporting -- disclosure -- community dwelling -- older adults -- seniors; Social sciences -- Periodicals; 300.5
• DOI: 10.1177/21582440211053256
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2158-2440

Abstract

This tri-provincial mixed methods study explores the reasons for under reporting abuse of older adults in the Prairie Provinces of Canada. Abuse of community-residing older adults, and specifically the reasons for not reporting such abuse, is poorly understood. This paper discusses the findings of the qualitative arm of the study that collected data through interviews with older adults having histories of abuse, their family members and service providers from related sectors. Content analysis was employed to identify three key themes: (1) recognizing and naming abuse; (2) barriers to disclosure; and (3) facilitators of reporting. Recommendations are made to improve awareness, education, and service provision in prevention and treatment of the abuse of community-residing older adults.