An Investigation of Nurses' Role in Addressing Elder Abuse in Long-Term Care Settings in Taraba State
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
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- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study: Elder abuse is a pervasive issue that affects the elderly, particularly those in long-term care settings. This form of abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual, and financial exploitation, as well as neglect (Adegboyega et al., 2024). Elder abuse can have profound impacts on the physical and psychological well-being of elderly individuals, and long-term care facilities are often sites where such abuse occurs due to the vulnerability of the residents (Oluwaseun et al., 2023). In Taraba State, elderly care is underdeveloped, and the elderly are often subject to neglect and abuse, especially in rural areas where healthcare services are limited.
Nurses in long-term care settings play a critical role in identifying, preventing, and managing elder abuse. They are often the first line of defense in spotting signs of abuse and advocating for the well-being of elderly residents (Jones et al., 2023). This study aims to investigate the role of nurses in addressing elder abuse in long-term care facilities in Taraba State, examining their knowledge, actions, and the challenges they face.
Statement of the Problem: Despite the growing awareness of elder abuse, there is limited research on the role of nurses in addressing this issue, particularly in the context of long-term care facilities in Taraba State. Elder abuse in these settings often goes unnoticed or unreported, and nurses, who are central to the care process, may face barriers such as lack of training, insufficient reporting mechanisms, and inadequate support systems. This study will explore how nurses are addressing elder abuse and the challenges they encounter in their efforts to protect vulnerable elderly individuals.
Objectives of the Study:
- To explore the role of nurses in identifying and preventing elder abuse in long-term care settings in Taraba State.
- To evaluate nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding elder abuse in these settings.
- To identify the barriers that hinder nurses from addressing elder abuse in long-term care facilities.
Research Questions:
- What is the role of nurses in identifying and preventing elder abuse in long-term care settings in Taraba State?
- How well do nurses in long-term care settings understand and practice the prevention of elder abuse?
- What barriers do nurses face in addressing elder abuse in long-term care settings?
Research Hypotheses:
- Nurses who receive specialized training in elder abuse prevention are more effective in identifying and addressing abuse in long-term care settings.
- Lack of training, poor communication channels, and insufficient reporting mechanisms are significant barriers to nurses’ ability to address elder abuse.
- Nurse-led interventions can improve the identification and prevention of elder abuse in long-term care settings.
Scope and Limitations of the Study: The study will focus on long-term care facilities in Taraba State, specifically those with nursing staff actively involved in the care of elderly residents. Limitations include potential underreporting of abuse cases, reliance on self-reported data from nurses, and variability in the care settings across Taraba State.
Definitions of Terms:
- Elder Abuse: Any form of mistreatment that causes harm or distress to an older person, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect.
- Long-Term Care Settings: Healthcare facilities that provide residential care to elderly individuals who are unable to live independently due to age or disability.
- Nurse-Led Interventions: Initiatives or actions led by nurses to address health-related concerns or problems, such as elder abuse prevention and advocacy.
