AN EMPIRICAL-EXAMINATION OF THE CHARACTERISTICS, CONSEQUENCES, AND CAUSES OF ELDER ABUSE IN NURSING-HOMES

This study examines the characteristics, consequences, and potential c auses of patient abuse in U.S. nursing homes. Using standard thematic content analysis, 488 incidents of abuse reported to Medicaid Fraud Co ntrol Units throughout the nation were reviewed. Results suggest that the presence of a witness, gender of the offender in relation to the v ictim, and job-related factors have important implications in the prev ention of nursing home patient abuse.