Indícios de maltratos familiares em idosos / Evidence of elder abuse in the family

ABSTRACT

This is an exploratory-descriptive survey with the aim of investigating signs of elderly abuse, receiving treatment in basic health units in Maringá. The data were collected in November, 1998 with 60 elderly, using a semi structured interview and observations. The majority of the population interviewed (56%) were over 70 years old, 53% were female, and 95% reported to make continuous use of medication. Great part of them (40%) has already felt prejudiced and 50% of them were prejudiced by their own family; 21% complained that they do not receive help when they need it and when they receive help; it comes from their children in 83% of the cases. The help they refer to is mainly in health care 39% and financial matter 31%. Among the old people interviewed, they go accompanied 62 % to the doctor, but 60% if they are alone. It is considered sign of mistreatment the fact that only 45% of them are visited sometimes or rarely; 35% of them do not take part in any family decision or conversation; 50% do not go out for a ride with de family; 10% complained that their families take their belongings without asking permission, and 5% of them reported to suffer physical abuse by a family member. It was observed that there are no signs of mistreatment when referred to the routine aspects. Most of the data show absence of mistreatment in the majority of the elder interviewed. However even a small percentage, they are present in our environment and must be taken into account by the health professionals that aim to provide an integral and humanized assistance...