Irish Journal of Medical Science

The quality of care provided to older people in nursing homes and care settings has received increasing attention over recent years. Although empirical data on the extent of mistreatment in residential settings is limited, previous research suggests that such maltreatment does occur (Pillemer and Moore 1989; Georgen). In the report Protecting Our Future (2002), the Working Group on Elder Abuse state that ‘‘some people are being looked after in impoverished environments…’’ being treated and cared for by over-worked, stressed, burntout staff who are too small in number to be able to cater for their needs properly (Protecting our future, Department of Health and Children, 2002, p 17). A recent review of Protecting our future also highlighted institutional abuse as a priority area (NCAOP 2009). This paper will present findings from a pilot study which explores the extent to which nursing and care staff working in residential care settings for older people observe and engage in potentially abusive behaviours. The study also examines factors associated with the mistreatment and neglect of older people in residential settings such as level of education, stress, burnout, job satisfaction and poor mental health. A random sample of eleven residential care settings for older people was piloted and using the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS), a selfadministered survey was used to collect data from the nursing and care staff working in these care settings. One hundred and sixty completed questionnaires were returned anonymously. Findings indicate abusive and neglectful behaviours prevalent in nursing and care settings for older people, as reported by nursing and care staff, as well as associated factors. The results of the survey will be used to identify ways in which staff-resident interactions can be improved as well as reducing conflicts that may arise in nursing and residential care settings.