Recognising and addressing elder abuse in care homes: views from residents and managers

In 2004, the author carried out a small scale study to find out the views of those living and working in private care homes in England about a range of issues connected to inspection, regulation and ways to better protect older people. This study reports on views from 19 managers and 19 residents about their understanding of abuse, their perceptions of the different forms of abuse and the possible action to deal with offending care staff. Although there was some consensus about the seriousness of certain types of abuse and how managers would investigate the allegation, the findings indicate that mandatory training for registered care home owners and managers is necessary to clarify their responsibilities in relation to their actions and the reporting of certain offences to relevant agencies. Residents' views also need to be taken seriously if they are to voice their opinions about life in a care home.