Research article summary (published 30 Dec 2005):

Self-determination and elder abuse do we know enough?

Full Abstract

This article explores the principle of self-determination as it relates to victims of elder abuse and neglect. Using newspaper accounts and cases from the author's practice and consulting files, various factors influencing the professional's interpretation of this principle are explored. The notion that self-determination allows victims of abuse and neglect to refuse intervention is challenged. The author concludes that the principle of self-determination and the notion of competency are overly simplified in the social work and elder abuse literature and may be misused by allowing abused older victims to choose to remain in often life-threatening situations. Special focus is given to Adult Protection Service worker, but the author asserts that protecting older people, assisting in creative interventions and developing needed services is a shared professional responsibility.

Learn Faster Today      Improve your study skills

Author information

Author/s: Bergeron, L René (LR);

Affiliation: Department of Social Work, University of New Hampshire, Durham, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of gerontological social work (J Gerontol Soc Work), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-; vol 46 (issue 3-4) : pp 81-102

Dates: Created 2006/06/28; Completed 2006/09/06;

PMID: 16803778, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Aged Aged, 80 and over Clinical Competence Decision Making Elder Abuse - prevention & control Geriatric Assessment Health Services for the Aged - standards

Humans Mandatory Reporting Mental Competency Personal Autonomy Social Responsibility Social Work - standards United States

Related articles

These are the highest related articles currently in the database:

• Use of a single page elder abuse assessment and management tool: a practical clinician's approach to identifying elder mistreatment. 30 Dec 2005
• Older people deserve better lives and an end to abuse. 29 Nov 2004
• Promoting older people's voices- the contribution of social work to inter-disciplinary research. 30 Dec 2006
• Reactions of senior citizens to 9/11: exploration and practice guidelines for social workers. 30 Dec 2006
• What do we owe the elderly? Allocating social and health care resources. The Joint International Research Group of the Institute for Bioethics. 27 Feb 1994
• APS workers job requirements associated with elder abuse rates. 30 Dec 2004
• Mapping care pathways for the elderly. 30 Dec 2004
• Pediatrician characteristics associated with child abuse identification and reporting: results from a national survey of pediatricians. 30 Oct 2006
• The impact of research governance in the United Kingdom on research involving a national survey. 30 Dec 2006
• Social work in the academic medical center: advanced training--a necessity. 30 Dec 1995

See 100+ related articles.

Related Article Map

Legend: - FREE Full text Article. - Abstract only. - Title only. More help.

See a large map of 100+ related articles.