Elder abuse by family members: An exploration in the lived experiences of older people

Elder abuse by family members particularly where family provides care to an aging relative has been addressed as a serious problem by most societies. Considering the importance and prevalence of the issue, exploring lived experiences of elders in this regards is necessary to have a better understanding of elder abuse phenomenon. The study aimed to explore experiences and perceptions of elders regarding their abuse by family members. A qualitative study using hermeneutic phenomenological approach was employed to conduct the study. Unstructured interviews were undertaken with fourteen elderly community dwellers of Tehran city. In-depth interviews were taped and transcribed verbatim and analyzed using van Manen method. Four themes were identified including: ‘being deprived of human rights and dignities’, ‘smashed up integrity’, ‘silent suffering’ and ‘painful ending’. The lived experience of the older adults evidenced elder abuse as a deprivation from the human rights and dignity which could result in negative physical, psychological, and socio- economical consequences, decreased quality of life and tough ending which they bear it in silence. The findings reveal significant concepts in providing care to elders and could contribute in increasing capabilities of healthcare workers specially nurses to assess, intervene and prevent it appropriately.