Life Experiences of Abused Elderly in Geriatric Care in Iasi, Romania. A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This qualitative study focused on the life experiences of abused elderly in geriatric care in a Iasi hospital, in Romania. A total of 13 (9 women and 4 men) patients were involved in a complimentary, multidisciplinary psycho-social service after been screened for abuse using EASI © (Yaffe et al., 2008). Through thematic network analysis, the texts from the interviews revealed three global themes: 1) the abuse undermines the dignity, 2) the need to find meaning to the lived experience and, 3) the strategies of maintaining dignity. This is the first qualitative study of hospitalized elderly having an experience of abuse in Romania.