Dementia and elder abuse: Understanding public health nurses’ experiences

Abstract

Elder abuse (EA) within the population of community dwelling older people living with dementia is significantly more prevalent when compared with the population of older adults without cognitive impairment. Public Health Nurses (PHNs) in Ireland are a key professional service provider group in safeguarding vulnerable populations. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was utilized to explore the experiences of PHNs in identifying and addressing abuse, among community dwelling older adults living with dementia that was perpetrated by informal caregivers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with PHNs (n = 5) in Ireland that had in the previous 12 months dealt with a case of elder abuse involving an older adult living with dementia. Analysis of the data revealed three super-ordinate themes; identifying hidden abusive relationships; Complexity – ‘where do I start’; and Isolation. This study provides unique insights from PHNs relevant to safeguarding this particularly vulnerable group. Specific implications for practice and recommendations are presented.