Abuse of older people is common, especially among people living with dementia. Caregiver burden is a well-established risk factor for abuse perpetration. However, limited knowledge exists regarding factors that protect against abuse. In addition, changes in relationship dynamics have been identified as a potentially critical yet underexplored underlying cause to abuse.
Exposure to abuse can have serious consequences for health and well-being. There is a strong association with reduced survival. Studies have also shown a link between exposure to abuse and ill-health, but the causal relationships require further investigation. Healthcare services are often considered a suitable setting for detecting abuse and initiating interventions. However, previous studies indicate that healthcare staff often hesitate to ask older persons about abuse. Screening instruments may facilitate detection, but there is a lack of validated tools adapted for individuals with dementia.
The first two sub-studies of the doctoral project aim to improve the identification of abuse in this group. In the first sub-study, two new screening instruments for individuals with dementia and their relatives were developed and validated. In the second, a Belgian instrument targeting healthcare and social care professionals was translated and validated for Swedish conditions. The instrument addresses several risk factors and may contribute to increased awareness and preventive efforts.
The third sub-study explores the mechanisms that can contribute to perpetration of abuse and use of protective strategies among relatives of individuals with dementia, with the aim of developing targeted interventions. The fourth sub-study examines the association between exposure to abuse and ill-health in older adults, including people with dementia, to better identify at-risk groups and strengthen healthcare interventions.
