Title : Promoting good treatment in institutionalized older adults: A person-centered care intervention proposal
Abstract:
Population ageing has led to an increasing number of older adults requiring long-term care in institutional settings, which entails a higher risk of elder abuse. Elder abuse, understood as actions or omissions that violate older adults’ dignity, rights, and well-being, remains a largely hidden and under-detected problem with significant consequences for quality of life. The aim of this work is to present an intervention proposal focused on the prevention of elder abuse and the promotion of good treatment among institutionalized older adults, grounded in the Person-Centered Care approach. The proposal was developed through a review of the scientific literature on elder abuse, associated risk factors, and models promoting good treatment, drawing on theoretical frameworks such as the Kayser-Jones model. The intervention targets both professionals and residents and is designed as a preventive, group-based psychoeducational program. It consists of ten weekly sessions lasting two hours each, followed by a follow-up session. The program addresses the conceptualization and typology of elder abuse, the identification of both overt and subtle abusive situations, reflection on age-related stereotypes, the promotion of empathy, affective communication, and good care practices. Methodological strategies include group dynamics, case analysis, role-playing, and reflective activities. Evaluation is planned through pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and a satisfaction survey. This proposal integrates the core principles of good treatment and Person-Centered Care models, incorporating professional training and the active involvement of older adults to improve the quality of care in institutional settings.
Keywords: Older Adults; Good Treatment; Institutional Care; Person-Centered Care; Elder Abuse Prevention.
