Abstract
Objective
To describe the reasons for violence against older people and the solutions proposed for conflict mediation in an outpatient clinic specialized in geriatrics and gerontology in the Federal District, Brazil, between 2008 and 2018.
Method
A retrospective, documentary, descriptive study with a quantitative approach developed with the analysis of information obtained in the unit’s minutes books via the records of conflict mediation meetings in cases of violence against older people. The collection covered the reasons for violence against older people and the solutions proposed for conflict mediation.
Result
We analyzed 111 cases. The main reasons for the violence were main caregiver burden (77.4%), children thinking that their older parents were able to take care of themselves (27%), resentment of children towards their older parents (24.3%), and being unaware of the older person’s disease (14.4%). The main solutions proposed were regular follow-up with a doctor (82.8%), social worker and/or psychologist (58.5%), the commitment of all children in sharing care and expenses of their older parents (52.2%), introducing the older person to social activities in the community (27%), and hiring a formal caregiver (24.3%).
Conclusion
The caregiver burden was the main cause for conflict found, and the proposals identified were related to the greater need for health care for the older person and their caregiver. In this regard, the importance of a multidisciplinary team available in situations of violence was perceived. Conflict mediation made it possible to establish real and targeted strategies to achieve results in cases of violence.
Keywords
Elder Abuse; Violence; Negotiating; Caregivers
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