Under Reporting of Abuse of Older Adults in the Canadian Prairie Provinces

This tri-provincial mixed methods study explores the reasons for under reporting abuse of older adults in the Prairie Provinces of Canada. Abuse of community-residing older adults, and specifically the reasons for not reporting such abuse, is poorly understood. This paper discusses the findings of the qualitative arm of the study that collected data through interviews with older adults having histories of abuse, their family members and service providers from related sectors. Content analysis was employed to identify three key themes: (1) recognizing and naming abuse; (2) barriers to disclosure; and (3) facilitators of reporting. Recommendations are made to improve awareness, education, and service provision in prevention and treatment of the abuse of community-residing older adults.

Automated summary

This study examines the underreporting of abuse against older adults in the Prairie Provinces of Canada, identifying key themes such as recognizing abuse, barriers to disclosure, and facilitators of reporting. Recommendations are made to enhance awareness, education, and service provision to prevent and address abuse of older adults living in the community.