A Study of Abuse among the Elderly: A Case of Selected Homes of the Elderly in Nairobi County, Kenya
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Date
2020-08
Authors
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Publisher
Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences
Abstract
Major studies on the prevalence of elder abuse have been confined to developed nations while in Kenya with the topic yet to emerge as a significant research theme or draw sufficient practical action from policymakers. The purpose of this study was to examine elder abuse in Kenya with a focus on selected homes for the elderly in Nairobi County. The objectives guiding the study were to determine rates of elder abuse, investigate factors that contributed to elder abuse, and explore the types of abuse faced by the elderly in Nairobi County. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was 177 elderly people, aged 60 years and above residing in two homes of the elderly in Nairobi County. The sample size comprised 121 residents in the selected homes. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23. The study revealed that 99% of the respondents had been abused. The major contributing factors to elder abuse were lack of support systems at (82.2%), caregivers’ financial difficulties at (81%), and elderly person’s age at (76%). Neglect was the most prevalent type of abuse at 95%, followed by physical abuse at 80.2%, and psychological abuse at 77.2%. The conclusion was that the majority of the elderly people undergo abuse with neglect as the main type of abuse. The researcher recommends the implementation of stronger laws and policies, and more effective prevention strategies to address the problem of elder abuse in Kenya.
Description
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Keywords
Abuse among the Elderly, Elderly Homes, Nairobi County
Citation
Bwaley, A., (2020). A Study of Abuse among the Elderly: A Case of Selected Homes of the Elderly in Nairobi County, Kenya. Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences; Nairobi.