Elder abuse in nursing homes: Prevention and resolution strategies and barriers

Recent concern about elder abuse prompted a great deal of research on the characteristics and risk factors for abuse. Most of this research, however, centered on the abuse of older persons living in a community-based setting. Much less research examined abuse occurring in nursing homes. Using routine activities theory as a guide, this article reports on a survey of seventy-six nursing home administrators with specific attention given to the elder abuse prevention and response strategies cited by nursing home administrators. Obstacles impeding successful prevention and intervention efforts were also considered.