Abuse in care? A research project to identify early indicators of concern in residential and nursing homes for older people
| Pages | 111-125 |
| Date | 13 April 2015 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-08-2014-0027 |
| Published date | 13 April 2015 |
| Author | David Marsland,Peter Oakes,Caroline White |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Vulnerable groups,Adult protection |
Abuse in care? A research project to
identify early indicators of concern
in residential and nursing homes for
older people
Dave Marsland, Peter Oakes and Caroline White
Dave Marsland is a Lecturer in
Social Work, Dr Peter Oakes is
a Clinical Psychologist and
Caroline White is a Research
Associate, all are based at
Centre for Applied Research
and Evaluation, The University
of Hull, Hull, UK.
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the prevention of the abuse of older people in
residential and nursing homes, through the identification of “early indicators of concern”. Such indicators
support practitioners in identifying services in which older people are at risk of abuse, neglect and ill
treatment.
Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews were conducted with health and social
care practitioners in two local authorities (in England and Scotland), who had visited services in which abuse
or neglect had occurred. Practitioners were asked about the things that they had seen within the service
which had caused them to become concerned.
Findings – Over 90 early indicators of concern were identified. These indicators were grouped within six
themes which identify key manifestations of service cultures which may promote the abuse of older people.
Practical implications – Information and guidance has been developed to enable practitioners to
recognise early indicators and identify services in which older people are at risk and in which actions are
required to help prevent the onset of abuse.
Originality/value – A range of studies have highlighted the importance of organisational cultures in
promoting the abuse of older people. The early indicators identified through this research represent visible
signs of such poor service cultures which can be observed by practitioners, enabling them to recognise
services in which older people are at greater risk.
Keywords Older people, Prevention, Care homes, Abuse and neglect, Nursing homes,
Organisational cultures
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study which aimed to contribute to the
prevention of the abuse and neglect of older people in residential or nursing homes. It sought to
achieve this aim through identifying “early indicators of concern”. These are signs associated
with services in which older people have been abused, neglected or harmed. They do not
offer evidence that abuse has occurred or predict future abuse. Instead they provide observable
evidence of poor or decaying service environments and cultures, affording an early warning that
older people may be at risk. The study also aimed to present information in ways which would
support and inform external health and social care practitioners who visit residential and nursing
homes. Such practitioners regularly provide specialist health input and monitor and review the
care delivered to older people in residential settings in the UK. They appear well placed to note
changes and problems within services.
The authors wish to acknowledge
the financial and practical support
from the local authorities, health
bodies, and the Scottish
Government which has made this
research possible. The authors are
extremely grateful to all health and
social care practitioners who have
participated in and contributed to
this study. The arguments and
conclusions presented here are
those of the authors and do not
reflect the views of any of the
agencies and organisations
concerned.
DOI 10.1108/JAP-08-2014-0027 VOL. 17 NO. 2 2015, pp. 111-125, CEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1466-8203
j
THE JOURNAL OF ADULT PROTECTION
j
PAGE 111
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