ABSTRACT
This chapter places abuse in residential settings in context. Firstly, the reasons why residential care becomes necessary for older people are addressed, as is the significance of this for the older person. Secondly, the risk factors for abuse will be outlined and discussed, using the framework developed by Pillemer as a basis for understanding the nature of abuse in institutional settings. To gain an understanding of the significance of a move into any form of residential care for older people, one first needs to understand the meaning of home. Admission to residential care is therefore often only occurring in circumstances where to remain at home would be impossible owing to extensive care needs as a result of physical and/or psychological disability and lack of significant support networks. Older people come into residential care in a vulnerable state and therefore require positive responses from staff.
