Tova Winterstein - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Tova Winterstein

Research paper thumbnail of Troubles? Problems? Comparing social workers’ and older persons’ perspectives on elder self-neglect

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges in Implementing Restorative Justice with Older Adults: Institutional Gatekeepers and Social Barriers

The British Journal of Social Work, 2021

Despite the consensus regarding the importance of restorative justice (RJ) as an alternative to t... more Despite the consensus regarding the importance of restorative justice (RJ) as an alternative to the criminal justice system, some professionals and researchers have pointed out the challenges involved in its implementation with older adults who have been victimised. The aim of the present study was to explore the primary obstructions to implementing RJ intervention with older adults who have been victimised, as perceived by RJ facilitators, using the conceptual framework of social constructivism. An interpretive phenomenological analysis perspective was used to analyse the narratives of seven RJ facilitators, all of them highly experienced social workers. The narratives revealed three themes: the interpersonal and familial arena—the older person and his/her family as gatekeepers; the institutional arena—judicial and medical system personnel as gatekeepers; and the professional arena—RJ facilitators as gatekeepers. The findings suggest that some individuals and institutions maintain ...

Research paper thumbnail of Determinants of Depressive Symptomatology in Caregivers of Frail Older-Adults: The Case of Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Community

Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, 2017

Depression is the most frequent negative health outcome among informal caregivers. The aims of th... more Depression is the most frequent negative health outcome among informal caregivers. The aims of the current study were (i) to assess the level of depression, (ii) to explore associations between care recipients' characteristics, caregivers' characteristics, situational factors and depression among Ultra-Orthodox Jewish (UOJ) caregivers. A total of 112 (44 men and 68 women) UOJ primary caregivers of frail older-adults were interviewed face-to-face in their homes, using valid and reliable measures. Participants reported a notable depressive symptomatology. Three variables emerged as significant predictors of caregiver depression: higher external control (chance), being a spouse, and lower levels of social support. External locus of control, being a spouse, and social support are highly important factors for explaining depression among UOJ caregivers. Resources should be allocated to target spousal caregivers with lower levels of social support and a greater sense of external locus of control in order to alleviate their depressive symptomatology.

Research paper thumbnail of The meanings of the unlicensed assistive personnel role in nursing homes: A triadic job analysis perspective

Journal of Nursing Management, 2018

This study described and analyzed how older residents, professional nurses, and unlicensed assist... more This study described and analyzed how older residents, professional nurses, and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) perceive the meaning and content of the job carried out by UAP in nursing homes (NHs), as a basis for job analysis. Background: Increasing numbers of NH beds and financial restraints have led UAP to become a significant part of the long-term-care service system, yet in numerous contexts the UAP job remains misunderstood and underexplored.

Research paper thumbnail of Professionals’ Awareness of Sexual Abuse in Late Life: An Exploratory Survey

Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2017

Family violence, as a multifaceted phenomenon, has received increased research and practice inter... more Family violence, as a multifaceted phenomenon, has received increased research and practice intervention attention over the past four decades. To date, intimate partner violence (IPV) and elder mistreatment are acknowledged as social and health problems (Band-Winterstein, 2012; Sommers, 2006). However, sexual abuse of older adults (elder sexual abuse [ESA]) has received little attention to date. Recently, several studies have addressed the issue (

Research paper thumbnail of The meaning of burden of care in a faith-based community: the case of ultra-Orthodox Jews (UOJ)

Aging & Mental Health, 2016

The context of caregiving in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community is still an uncharted field. We ... more The context of caregiving in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community is still an uncharted field. We sought to facilitate an in-depth understanding of caregivers in Israel through their views of their position as primary caregivers, their coping mechanisms with the challenges of caregiving burden, and their unfulfilled needs. Data were drawn from interviews with 28 participants, serving as primary caregivers for at least a year. Three major themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) burden of care as a universal experience, (2) the faith-based spiritual meaning of caring for parents, and (3) modest needs and expectations from the formal services - a total reliance on the familial-community service system, while there is some indication of unfulfilled needs that should be addressed by the formal service system. Intervening parties should be aware of the 'cultural color,' and not ignore the unique difficulties this population faces. Policy-makers should acknowledge the patterns of non-formal services used in this community.

Research paper thumbnail of Aging With Schizophrenia: A Lifelong Experience of Multidimensional Losses and Suffering

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 2016

The aim of this study was to explore the subjective experience of suffering in aging individuals ... more The aim of this study was to explore the subjective experience of suffering in aging individuals with schizophrenia. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 18 participants aged 60-69. Phenomenological content analysis was performed. Nine dimensions of suffering emerged: social rejection; familial rejection; the symptoms of schizophrenia; hospitalisation; the side effects of medication; loss of employment potential; loss of independent accommodation; loss of social life, and loss of hope to be a partner and a parent. The suffering of aging people with schizophrenia is cumulative and ongoing and thus evokes issues such as existential loneliness and feelings of homelessness.

Research paper thumbnail of How aging individuals with schizophrenia experience the self-etiology of their illness: a reflective lifeworld research approach

Aging & Mental Health, 2015

In recent years, there are an increasing number of individuals with schizophrenia who are aging w... more In recent years, there are an increasing number of individuals with schizophrenia who are aging within the general society. Self-etiology of the illness refers to its causal attributions by this population as part of the life review process. The aim of this paper is to develop knowledge from the perspective of older people with schizophrenia regarding the self-etiology of their illness. Focusing on the self-etiology of this particular population is useful, to enhance the understanding of their lived experience in the context of their lifeworld. The study was carried out using the reflective lifeworld phenomenological approach. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 aging individuals with schizophrenia followed by analysis for meaning. Five major constituents of the phenomenon under study - the experience of self-etiology among aging people with schizophrenia - emerged from the findings: 'It leaves you to your fate' - schizophrenia as a decree of fate; 'I have sinned against God' - schizophrenia as a punishment from God; 'They put something in my coffee' - schizophrenia as a result of witchcraft; 'Her genes are in me' - schizophrenia as genetic; and 'She left me and that's how I got sick' - schizophrenia as a result of personal trauma. The findings show that self-etiology in old age tends to be stable, externally attributed and culturally oriented, and serves as a central component in the life review process. This is relevant for professionals developing intervention methods for aging people with schizophrenia.

Research paper thumbnail of The experience of forced labor and its meaning for the self: The case of Holocaust survivors

Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of The Experience of Being an Old Never-Married Single: A Life Course Perspective

The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 2014

Purpose of the study: To explore the aging experience of the “over 60” group of singles who have ... more Purpose of the study: To explore the aging experience of the “over 60” group of singles who have never been married and have no children. How they experience their aging process in terms of their singlehood and vice versa. Design and Methods: A qualitative-phenomenological approach was adopted. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants aged 60 to 87. Results: Four major themes emerged: (a) “How come I stayed single?” (b) Between loneliness, aloneness and solitude. (c) “I have to take care of myself in old age.” (d) The self behind prejudices and stereotypes. Implications: As the normative expectation is to live with partners, children, and grandchildren, they need to account for their alternative choice and give meaning to being a never married single. This meaning is expressed by constructing their self-identity and accepting their way of life.

Research paper thumbnail of The Rebirth of Meaning rebirth of meaning : Giving Meaning to Life in Violence

The Springer Series on Human Exceptionality, 2014

Renewed meanings of life in violence are based on new dimensions. Old age and sickness become cen... more Renewed meanings of life in violence are based on new dimensions. Old age and sickness become central to the family experience and marginalize the violence. Age-related complexity is more threatening than violence and it helps the elderly family members construct narratives, which enable them to remain in the violent relationship. The new insights gained by the family who has lived and coped with violence are used by the elderly couple to develop functional versions of joint life. The children's rebirth of meaning is achieved by disconnecting enough to avoid cross-generational transmission of violence or by finding new ways to express it, which are not reminiscent of their family of origin.

Research paper thumbnail of Where Do We Go from Here?

The Springer Series on Human Exceptionality, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Harmed? Harmful? Experiencing Abusive Adult Children With Mental Disorder Over the Life Course

Journal of interpersonal violence, Jan 8, 2015

Older parents of an adult child coping with a mental disorder that is expressed by violent devian... more Older parents of an adult child coping with a mental disorder that is expressed by violent deviant behavior face significant parenting challenges. The purpose of this article is to explore the ways older parents exposed to abuse by their adult children with mental disorder (ACMD) perceived their child's violent deviant behavior along the life course. In a qualitative-phenomenological study, 16 parents aged 58 to 90 were interviewed in depth. Three major themes emerged: (a) ongoing total care for the child's needs along the life course, (b) constructions and perceptions of the child through the years-Parents perceived their children over two continua, reflecting their experience of the child's deviant behavior: the child as more harmed versus more harmful, the child as normative versus pathological-and (c) the parent's emotional world toward the harmed-harmful child. The findings enable a deeper understanding of the various ways in which parents cope with living with ...

Research paper thumbnail of Is It Enough to 'Speak Haredi'? Cultural Sensitivity in Social Workers Encountering Jewish Ultra-Orthodox Clients in Israel

British Journal of Social Work, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Between Remembering and Forgetting

Qualitative Social Work, 2010

‘Lived experiences’ of forgiveness of older abused women throughout a life in intimate partner vi... more ‘Lived experiences’ of forgiveness of older abused women throughout a life in intimate partner violence are described and analysed from a phenomenological perspective. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 older abused Jewish women in Northern Israel. The data were analysed along two dimensions: one related to the need to explore who forgives whom; the other to various ways of forgiving, starting from not forgetting and not forgiving, moving through forgiveness experienced as burden, the struggle between forgetting and remembering as an obstacle to forgiveness at the same time, remembering without verbalizing violence, ‘giving in’, and ending with forgiving and not forgetting. The discussion deals with the ways forgiveness enables the bridging between suffering, martyrdom, strength resulting from wisdom of age and survival. The meaning of being an older abused woman in the light of this duality is explored.

Research paper thumbnail of “Aging Out” of Violence: The Multiple Faces of Intimate Violence Over the Life Span

Qualitative Health Research, 2008

In this article, we explore how continuous intimate partner violence is experienced in old age an... more In this article, we explore how continuous intimate partner violence is experienced in old age and how age and violence interact and change throughout the life span. This is a qualitative study based on a phenomenological perspective focusing on the lived experiences of the elderly who have dwelled in domestic violence most of their lives. The sample consisted of 40 informants. In-depth, semistructured interviews were performed. Content analysis of the interviews yielded four clusters of living in violence over time: (a) The arena of violence is alive and active, (b) violence is in the air, (c) more of the same but differently, and (d) violence through illness to the very end. These clusters are discussed and their implications for practice are suggested.

Research paper thumbnail of The Experience of Loneliness of Battered Old Women

Journal of Women & Aging, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Nurses' Experiences of the Encounter With Elder Neglect

Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2012

Purpose: Nurses are on the front line in encounters with elder neglect. In spite of their signifi... more Purpose: Nurses are on the front line in encounters with elder neglect. In spite of their significant role, they are not always aware of this. The purpose of this paper was to understand the meanings that nurses ascribe to elder neglect through their perceptions and professional experience with older people and to throw light on nurses' significant role in this encounter. Design and Methods: An integrated review of the current literature was completed and 30 Israeli professional nurses working in long-term geriatric care facilities were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was performed according to the phenomenological method. Findings and Conclusions: Four major themes emerged: (a) neglect from the outside or neglect from within; (b) between professional and personal; (c) whose responsibility is this? and (d) professional values and ethics in the face of a neglecting reality. Findings are discussed in relation to the nurses' experiences of the encounter with elder neglect and the consequences of the phenomenon, such as increasing ageist perceptions and behavior. Clinical Relevance: As the world experiences higher life expectancy, nursing education should be challenged with elder mistreatment in general, and elder neglect in particular. Training and educational programs should provide a platform on which to raise dilemmas concerning the encounter with this subject.

Research paper thumbnail of “Like a Wounded Bird”: Older Battered Women's Life Experiences with Intimate Violence

Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Health Care Provision for Older Persons

Journal of Applied Gerontology, 2013

The aim of this study was to explore the link between neglect and ageism in health care provision... more The aim of this study was to explore the link between neglect and ageism in health care provision for older persons. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 registered nurses with at least 2 years’ experience in 10 long-term care facilities in Israel. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was performed according to the qualitative method. Three main themes emerged: ageism and neglect as the everyday routine (neglect is built into institution life on the platform of ageism); how the institutional system promotes neglect—between institutional and personal ageism (the ways institutions promote neglect in the shadow of ageism); from vision to reality—how neglect can be prevented in an ageist reality. The attempt to demonstrate the link between ageism and neglect and suggesting how to include them as interrelated phenomena in health care provision programs could promote older persons’ quality of life.

Research paper thumbnail of Troubles? Problems? Comparing social workers’ and older persons’ perspectives on elder self-neglect

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges in Implementing Restorative Justice with Older Adults: Institutional Gatekeepers and Social Barriers

The British Journal of Social Work, 2021

Despite the consensus regarding the importance of restorative justice (RJ) as an alternative to t... more Despite the consensus regarding the importance of restorative justice (RJ) as an alternative to the criminal justice system, some professionals and researchers have pointed out the challenges involved in its implementation with older adults who have been victimised. The aim of the present study was to explore the primary obstructions to implementing RJ intervention with older adults who have been victimised, as perceived by RJ facilitators, using the conceptual framework of social constructivism. An interpretive phenomenological analysis perspective was used to analyse the narratives of seven RJ facilitators, all of them highly experienced social workers. The narratives revealed three themes: the interpersonal and familial arena—the older person and his/her family as gatekeepers; the institutional arena—judicial and medical system personnel as gatekeepers; and the professional arena—RJ facilitators as gatekeepers. The findings suggest that some individuals and institutions maintain ...

Research paper thumbnail of Determinants of Depressive Symptomatology in Caregivers of Frail Older-Adults: The Case of Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Community

Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, 2017

Depression is the most frequent negative health outcome among informal caregivers. The aims of th... more Depression is the most frequent negative health outcome among informal caregivers. The aims of the current study were (i) to assess the level of depression, (ii) to explore associations between care recipients' characteristics, caregivers' characteristics, situational factors and depression among Ultra-Orthodox Jewish (UOJ) caregivers. A total of 112 (44 men and 68 women) UOJ primary caregivers of frail older-adults were interviewed face-to-face in their homes, using valid and reliable measures. Participants reported a notable depressive symptomatology. Three variables emerged as significant predictors of caregiver depression: higher external control (chance), being a spouse, and lower levels of social support. External locus of control, being a spouse, and social support are highly important factors for explaining depression among UOJ caregivers. Resources should be allocated to target spousal caregivers with lower levels of social support and a greater sense of external locus of control in order to alleviate their depressive symptomatology.

Research paper thumbnail of The meanings of the unlicensed assistive personnel role in nursing homes: A triadic job analysis perspective

Journal of Nursing Management, 2018

This study described and analyzed how older residents, professional nurses, and unlicensed assist... more This study described and analyzed how older residents, professional nurses, and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) perceive the meaning and content of the job carried out by UAP in nursing homes (NHs), as a basis for job analysis. Background: Increasing numbers of NH beds and financial restraints have led UAP to become a significant part of the long-term-care service system, yet in numerous contexts the UAP job remains misunderstood and underexplored.

Research paper thumbnail of Professionals’ Awareness of Sexual Abuse in Late Life: An Exploratory Survey

Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2017

Family violence, as a multifaceted phenomenon, has received increased research and practice inter... more Family violence, as a multifaceted phenomenon, has received increased research and practice intervention attention over the past four decades. To date, intimate partner violence (IPV) and elder mistreatment are acknowledged as social and health problems (Band-Winterstein, 2012; Sommers, 2006). However, sexual abuse of older adults (elder sexual abuse [ESA]) has received little attention to date. Recently, several studies have addressed the issue (

Research paper thumbnail of The meaning of burden of care in a faith-based community: the case of ultra-Orthodox Jews (UOJ)

Aging & Mental Health, 2016

The context of caregiving in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community is still an uncharted field. We ... more The context of caregiving in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community is still an uncharted field. We sought to facilitate an in-depth understanding of caregivers in Israel through their views of their position as primary caregivers, their coping mechanisms with the challenges of caregiving burden, and their unfulfilled needs. Data were drawn from interviews with 28 participants, serving as primary caregivers for at least a year. Three major themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) burden of care as a universal experience, (2) the faith-based spiritual meaning of caring for parents, and (3) modest needs and expectations from the formal services - a total reliance on the familial-community service system, while there is some indication of unfulfilled needs that should be addressed by the formal service system. Intervening parties should be aware of the 'cultural color,' and not ignore the unique difficulties this population faces. Policy-makers should acknowledge the patterns of non-formal services used in this community.

Research paper thumbnail of Aging With Schizophrenia: A Lifelong Experience of Multidimensional Losses and Suffering

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 2016

The aim of this study was to explore the subjective experience of suffering in aging individuals ... more The aim of this study was to explore the subjective experience of suffering in aging individuals with schizophrenia. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 18 participants aged 60-69. Phenomenological content analysis was performed. Nine dimensions of suffering emerged: social rejection; familial rejection; the symptoms of schizophrenia; hospitalisation; the side effects of medication; loss of employment potential; loss of independent accommodation; loss of social life, and loss of hope to be a partner and a parent. The suffering of aging people with schizophrenia is cumulative and ongoing and thus evokes issues such as existential loneliness and feelings of homelessness.

Research paper thumbnail of How aging individuals with schizophrenia experience the self-etiology of their illness: a reflective lifeworld research approach

Aging & Mental Health, 2015

In recent years, there are an increasing number of individuals with schizophrenia who are aging w... more In recent years, there are an increasing number of individuals with schizophrenia who are aging within the general society. Self-etiology of the illness refers to its causal attributions by this population as part of the life review process. The aim of this paper is to develop knowledge from the perspective of older people with schizophrenia regarding the self-etiology of their illness. Focusing on the self-etiology of this particular population is useful, to enhance the understanding of their lived experience in the context of their lifeworld. The study was carried out using the reflective lifeworld phenomenological approach. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 aging individuals with schizophrenia followed by analysis for meaning. Five major constituents of the phenomenon under study - the experience of self-etiology among aging people with schizophrenia - emerged from the findings: 'It leaves you to your fate' - schizophrenia as a decree of fate; 'I have sinned against God' - schizophrenia as a punishment from God; 'They put something in my coffee' - schizophrenia as a result of witchcraft; 'Her genes are in me' - schizophrenia as genetic; and 'She left me and that's how I got sick' - schizophrenia as a result of personal trauma. The findings show that self-etiology in old age tends to be stable, externally attributed and culturally oriented, and serves as a central component in the life review process. This is relevant for professionals developing intervention methods for aging people with schizophrenia.

Research paper thumbnail of The experience of forced labor and its meaning for the self: The case of Holocaust survivors

Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of The Experience of Being an Old Never-Married Single: A Life Course Perspective

The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 2014

Purpose of the study: To explore the aging experience of the “over 60” group of singles who have ... more Purpose of the study: To explore the aging experience of the “over 60” group of singles who have never been married and have no children. How they experience their aging process in terms of their singlehood and vice versa. Design and Methods: A qualitative-phenomenological approach was adopted. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants aged 60 to 87. Results: Four major themes emerged: (a) “How come I stayed single?” (b) Between loneliness, aloneness and solitude. (c) “I have to take care of myself in old age.” (d) The self behind prejudices and stereotypes. Implications: As the normative expectation is to live with partners, children, and grandchildren, they need to account for their alternative choice and give meaning to being a never married single. This meaning is expressed by constructing their self-identity and accepting their way of life.

Research paper thumbnail of The Rebirth of Meaning rebirth of meaning : Giving Meaning to Life in Violence

The Springer Series on Human Exceptionality, 2014

Renewed meanings of life in violence are based on new dimensions. Old age and sickness become cen... more Renewed meanings of life in violence are based on new dimensions. Old age and sickness become central to the family experience and marginalize the violence. Age-related complexity is more threatening than violence and it helps the elderly family members construct narratives, which enable them to remain in the violent relationship. The new insights gained by the family who has lived and coped with violence are used by the elderly couple to develop functional versions of joint life. The children's rebirth of meaning is achieved by disconnecting enough to avoid cross-generational transmission of violence or by finding new ways to express it, which are not reminiscent of their family of origin.

Research paper thumbnail of Where Do We Go from Here?

The Springer Series on Human Exceptionality, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Harmed? Harmful? Experiencing Abusive Adult Children With Mental Disorder Over the Life Course

Journal of interpersonal violence, Jan 8, 2015

Older parents of an adult child coping with a mental disorder that is expressed by violent devian... more Older parents of an adult child coping with a mental disorder that is expressed by violent deviant behavior face significant parenting challenges. The purpose of this article is to explore the ways older parents exposed to abuse by their adult children with mental disorder (ACMD) perceived their child's violent deviant behavior along the life course. In a qualitative-phenomenological study, 16 parents aged 58 to 90 were interviewed in depth. Three major themes emerged: (a) ongoing total care for the child's needs along the life course, (b) constructions and perceptions of the child through the years-Parents perceived their children over two continua, reflecting their experience of the child's deviant behavior: the child as more harmed versus more harmful, the child as normative versus pathological-and (c) the parent's emotional world toward the harmed-harmful child. The findings enable a deeper understanding of the various ways in which parents cope with living with ...

Research paper thumbnail of Is It Enough to 'Speak Haredi'? Cultural Sensitivity in Social Workers Encountering Jewish Ultra-Orthodox Clients in Israel

British Journal of Social Work, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Between Remembering and Forgetting

Qualitative Social Work, 2010

‘Lived experiences’ of forgiveness of older abused women throughout a life in intimate partner vi... more ‘Lived experiences’ of forgiveness of older abused women throughout a life in intimate partner violence are described and analysed from a phenomenological perspective. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 older abused Jewish women in Northern Israel. The data were analysed along two dimensions: one related to the need to explore who forgives whom; the other to various ways of forgiving, starting from not forgetting and not forgiving, moving through forgiveness experienced as burden, the struggle between forgetting and remembering as an obstacle to forgiveness at the same time, remembering without verbalizing violence, ‘giving in’, and ending with forgiving and not forgetting. The discussion deals with the ways forgiveness enables the bridging between suffering, martyrdom, strength resulting from wisdom of age and survival. The meaning of being an older abused woman in the light of this duality is explored.

Research paper thumbnail of “Aging Out” of Violence: The Multiple Faces of Intimate Violence Over the Life Span

Qualitative Health Research, 2008

In this article, we explore how continuous intimate partner violence is experienced in old age an... more In this article, we explore how continuous intimate partner violence is experienced in old age and how age and violence interact and change throughout the life span. This is a qualitative study based on a phenomenological perspective focusing on the lived experiences of the elderly who have dwelled in domestic violence most of their lives. The sample consisted of 40 informants. In-depth, semistructured interviews were performed. Content analysis of the interviews yielded four clusters of living in violence over time: (a) The arena of violence is alive and active, (b) violence is in the air, (c) more of the same but differently, and (d) violence through illness to the very end. These clusters are discussed and their implications for practice are suggested.

Research paper thumbnail of The Experience of Loneliness of Battered Old Women

Journal of Women & Aging, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Nurses' Experiences of the Encounter With Elder Neglect

Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2012

Purpose: Nurses are on the front line in encounters with elder neglect. In spite of their signifi... more Purpose: Nurses are on the front line in encounters with elder neglect. In spite of their significant role, they are not always aware of this. The purpose of this paper was to understand the meanings that nurses ascribe to elder neglect through their perceptions and professional experience with older people and to throw light on nurses' significant role in this encounter. Design and Methods: An integrated review of the current literature was completed and 30 Israeli professional nurses working in long-term geriatric care facilities were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was performed according to the phenomenological method. Findings and Conclusions: Four major themes emerged: (a) neglect from the outside or neglect from within; (b) between professional and personal; (c) whose responsibility is this? and (d) professional values and ethics in the face of a neglecting reality. Findings are discussed in relation to the nurses' experiences of the encounter with elder neglect and the consequences of the phenomenon, such as increasing ageist perceptions and behavior. Clinical Relevance: As the world experiences higher life expectancy, nursing education should be challenged with elder mistreatment in general, and elder neglect in particular. Training and educational programs should provide a platform on which to raise dilemmas concerning the encounter with this subject.

Research paper thumbnail of “Like a Wounded Bird”: Older Battered Women's Life Experiences with Intimate Violence

Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Health Care Provision for Older Persons

Journal of Applied Gerontology, 2013

The aim of this study was to explore the link between neglect and ageism in health care provision... more The aim of this study was to explore the link between neglect and ageism in health care provision for older persons. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 registered nurses with at least 2 years’ experience in 10 long-term care facilities in Israel. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was performed according to the qualitative method. Three main themes emerged: ageism and neglect as the everyday routine (neglect is built into institution life on the platform of ageism); how the institutional system promotes neglect—between institutional and personal ageism (the ways institutions promote neglect in the shadow of ageism); from vision to reality—how neglect can be prevented in an ageist reality. The attempt to demonstrate the link between ageism and neglect and suggesting how to include them as interrelated phenomena in health care provision programs could promote older persons’ quality of life.