The Meaning of Domestic Elderly Abuse Concept

The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of domestic elder abuse phenomenon. A qualitative study using hermeneutic phenomenological approach was employed with community dweller elders, five men and nine women (68 to 87 years of age) living in Tehran. In-depth interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using van Manen methods. The emerged themes were "being neglected", "being psychologically abused", "curtailment of personal autonomy", "being financially abused", "being bodily abused" and "abandonment". The experience of the elderly showed that Domestic Elder Abuse is a pain and suffering inflicted on older people by their family members via the perpetration of an excruciating action or refusal or failure to provide their necessary needs which can include single/ repetitive, intentional/ unintentional actions. Elderly abuse might occur. At his/her own home or the home of a family member with whom the elderly lives. The above findings can help the healthcare providers to define the domestic elderly abuse, to distinguish abuse among elderly, and to develop specific assessment tools for screening domestic elderly abuse and its early detection and prevention.