Family Members' Reports of Non-Staff Abuse in Michigan Nursing Homes

Abstract

Recent research showed that mistreatment of nursing home residents by other residents may be highly prevalent. The present study examined the issue from family members' perspectives. The data came from the 2005 and 2007 random-digit dial telephone surveys of Michigan households with a family member in long-term care. Based on family members' reports, about 10% of nursing home residents aged 60 and over were abused by non-staff in nursing homes (e.g., other residents and visitors) during the past 12 months. Family members were more likely to report non-staff abuse when the nursing home residents were younger, were female, had behavior problems, and had greater level of physical functioning. Family members who reported staff abuse were four times more likely to also report non-staff abuse.

Keywords:

• nursing home
• non-staff abuse
• resident-to-resident abuse
• dementia-related behaviors

Acknowledgments

Zhenmei Zhang, Connie Page, Tom Conner, and Lori A. Post were supported by U.S. Centers for Medicaid/Medicare Grant No. CFDA 93.778, Vulnerable Medicaid Populations.