Building family competence:A proactive measure to prevent

elder abuse and neglect  

Sreedhanya H Thekkedath

PhD Scholar

Contents • Introduction• Elder abuse and neglect• Problem perspectives of elderly• Experience of abuse and neglect• Caregivers’ perspective on elder care• Care giver stress and elder abuse• Family competence• Initiatives for developing family competence

(kerala context – policy review)• Conclusion

Introduction

Demography of Ageing 10% of the world population is elderly projected to increase by 21% in 2051. India accommodates 76 million elderly

persons above 60 years old Elderly population in Kerala would increase

from 2.2 million in 1986 to 8.3 million in 2026 (Rajan, 1986).

Elder Abuse and Neglect

Theoretical Premises of Elder Abuse and Neglect

risk factors associated to elder abuse and neglect

(a) victim-perpetrator dependency (b) perpetrator deviance, (c) victim disability, (d) care-giver stress, and (e) social isolation.

Critical conceptual frameworks Dependency and exchange relationships Cyclic theory of violence Elder Impairment Theory

Conceptualization of elder abuseRisk vulnerability model : Rose and Killin

VulnerabilityInternal: Elder as a Source Elder demographics Elder cognitive status Elder functional status Elder psychological status Elder health status Elder social support

Riskisk RiskExternal: In environment/Not part of elderCaregiver demographic informationCaregiver burden Caregiver functional status Caregivers’ social support Caregiver psychological health

Elder MistreatmentPhysical mistreatmentnt Sexual mistreatment Psychological mistreatment Financial mistreatment Neglect

Problem Perspectives of Elderly

Economic Problems

Gender and Ageing

Health Problems Mental Health

Experience of abuse and neglect An elder is physically abused when she is

not attended by her caregivers who are in most cases family members.

They need timely care (a) when they experience a simple head ache or back ache and cold (b) if family members or caregivers are not taking the elderly to doctor when sick (c) when elderly are not served meals (d) do not help elderly with personal chores in spite of the elderly assisting in the family chores

Perpetrators of elder abuse

Studies are unanimous in victimizing family caregivers as the critical sources of elder abuse

Daughter in law and son emerged as the major abusers

Lack of concern, respect for elderly and lack of caring attitude by daughter in law, sons and so on

Caregivers’ perspectives on elder care

Groups of themes precedes to elder abuse and neglect

demanding behaviours of older people; selfishness and self centeredness; rigid and opinionated; authoritarian nature; nagging and criticizing; interfering; and being jealous and impatient.

Care giver stress and elder abuse

Depression leads to caregiver stress, which is a strong predictor of elder abuse

Perception of situation by caregivers linked to abuse

Seem to be helpless and isolated from the society

Incompetent in handling the issues related to elderly

Family competence

Family Competence is the ability of a family to get along and function productively through problem solving, organization and providing a positive emotional climate

To maintain family as a unit through out the life cycle, family members must provide physical and psychological (care) help to each other

Initiative for developing family competence (kerala context)

Economic security Health aspect Education Family Panchayati raj institutions Non Governmental Organizations Legal protection

Conclusion Need for an integrated approach Support groups Formal support services (Affordable home

care services) Expand existing programs for caregivers    Encourage employers to assist in

providing relief to family caregivers Offer tax relief to family caregivers

Thank You