A conceptual model to approach Elder Abuse and Neglect in residential care settings

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a conceptual framework that analyses the relationships between organisational aspects of residential care settings and the interpersonal features of care providers and their relation with the residents´ quality of life. Based on this purpose we would like to discuss how to link long-term care and elder abuse and neglect, through a conceptual model to approach this issue, focusing on a person-centred perspective. The preliminary data were based on self-reported 41 responses of care workers and through observations of daily life practices in three nursing homes in Sintra Council (council of the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon). Therefore, these exploratory approaches were important to improve the conceptual model, due to the lack of conceptual clarification, it allowed to test the instruments and to explore some emerging issues, reveals some preliminary data about elder abuse and neglect, and risk factors. One which we highlighted was the conflicts within work teams and the work conditions of care workers because it is one of the principal factors related mainly with an inadequate care and neglect issues.