USE OF MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING IN THE CONTEXT OF ELDER ABUSE INTERVENTION: THE RISE PROJECT. (20th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: MacNeil, Andie; Burnes, David; Connolly, Marie-Therese; Salvo, Erin; Kimball, Patricia; Rogers, Geoff; Lewis, Stuart
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 6(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 298
• Page End: 299
• Publication Date: 2022-12-20
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac059.1183
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Despite the increasing number of elder abuse (EA) cases, many EA victims are reluctant to engage with formal support services, such as Adult Protective Services (APS). For EA interventions to be effective, it is important to overcome this client reluctance. This study examined the use of motivational interviewing (MI) by elder advocates, as a component of a larger EA intervention model, RISE (Repair Harm, Inspire Change, Support Connection, Empower Choice), developed in partnership with Maine APS and the Elder Abuse Institute of Maine. The advocate role was developed, in part, to increase service acceptance/utilization among EA victims. Advocates are trained in MI, a collaborative, client-centered approach designed to help individuals explore and resolve ambivalence around making a change. This study conducted qualitative interviews and a focus group interview with all advocates (n = 4) working within the RISE model to understand how MI is applied in the context of an EA intervention. Three domains were identified: (1) therapeutic relationship, which describes the importance of foundational relationship building to support EA victims; (2) techniques, which refers to the MI strategies that advocates apply and adapt in the context of EA intervention; and (3) implementation challenges, which discusses the difficulties that advocates encounter when using MI with victims of EA. Overall, the experiences of advocates suggest MI is a beneficial and amenable approach to help EA victims navigate feelings of ambivalence and explore their motivation for change. This study represents the first in-depth exploration of MI in the context of EA intervention.