Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Abstract

Elderly Abuse Experienced by Older Adults Prior to Living in Old Age Homes in Kathmandu

Sunita Rai, Prakriti Khanal and Hom Nath Chalise

The number and size of elderly homes are increasing in urban areas in Nepal, indicating that the number of elderly people living in old age homes is increasing. Anecdotal information indicates that some of the elderly residents experienced abuse prior to their residence in old age homes. The main objective of this article is to explore the nature of the abuse they experienced before they arrived at old age homes in the Kathmandu Metropolitan City. This study has used both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Data was collected from five old age homes in Kathmandu. The research was conducted in the month of September in 2016 for three weeks. Total sample size for this study was 76 and three case studies were carried out.

Mean age of the respondents was 78.34 (±10.18) years. The findings show that a majority (58 percent) of the respondents experienced five different types of abuse before they arrived at the old age homes. Neglect was the most common form of abuse that was experienced by 46.7% respondents, followed by behavioural or emotional abuse (37%), financial abuse (32%), physical abuse (8%) and 3% of abused elderly reported that they were sexually abused. Main reason of elderly abuse faced by abused elderly were disability (physical, mental) to look after themselves (42%), having no partner (death) (28%), the family was busy and there were no extra persons for care giving task (20%) and 16% reported they had no property.

This finding based on sample of small population cannot be generalized to whole population. A detailed in depth study related to abuse of older adults living in urban area is required and government should make strict policy for the control of elder abuse.