The relativity of theory: applying theories of social psychology to illuminate the causes of the abuse of older people in care homes

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Moore
Keyword(s):  
Social Psychology ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Older People ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fundamental Causes ◽  
The Social ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Vulnerable Adults

Purpose Through the lens afforded by two theories drawn from the discipline of social psychology, the purpose of this paper is to explain the evident continuing abuse of adults at risk living in care homes by the staff who should be looking after them. Design/methodology/approach By considering existing theories and research into the reasons why vulnerable adults are abused the paper proposes the relevance of other extant theories on the degradation of moral restraint and dehumanisation of victims, and on the social psychology of intergroup relations, to the perpetration of abuse. Findings The paper demonstrates how theories that explain the psychology of human behaviour in certain circumstances may be usefully applied to the inveterate social problem of the abuse of vulnerable adults living in care homes. Practical implications The paper offers the opportunity for the reader to consider how these theories of social psychology may be applied to explain and guide remedies to the persistent levels of abuse in English care homes, abuse that continues despite government oversight of care provided to adults who may be at risk by virtue of the activities of the statutory regulator and health and social care commissioners, and the interventions of safeguarding personnel. Originality/value This is a conceptual paper from which future research and theorising may arise to better understand the most fundamental causes of the abuse of older people in care homes in order to develop feasible and effective measures to overcome it.

Sharpening Occam’s razor: developing theory to explain the persistent abuse of older people living in care homes

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-60
Author(s):  
Steve Moore
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fundamental Causes ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
Vulnerable Adults ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relevance and importance of developing and making use of robust theory to explain and counter the tenacious social anomaly of the abuse of older people who live in care homes. Design/methodology/approach The activities of theorising and conducting research to gain revised theoretical comprehension of why abuse occurs in care homes, along with the enduring over reliance of those with an interest in safeguarding on existing theories borrowed from other fields to guide their activities are considered and discussed. Findings There is a pressing need for theory based understandings of the continuing abuse of older people and it is apparent that the development of such theory will be more productive if theorising and theory development are specific to certain types of abuse perpetrated in delineated settings. Practical implications The paper offers the opportunity for the reader to consider the significance of theorising and developing new theory in order to improve of the protection of potentially vulnerable adults by virtue of the guidance it can provide to the activities of policy makers, managers and practitioners. Originality/value This is a conceptual paper from which future theorising and research may arise to better understand the most fundamental causes of the abuse of older people in care homes (and elsewhere) in order to develop feasible and effective measures to overcome it.

Assumption, the mother of all foul ups: a fundamental reason for the continuing abuse of adults at risk

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 129-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Moore
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Partial Explanation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Fundamental Reason ◽  
English Society ◽  
Vulnerable Adults ◽  
Lay Public ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of the assumption of altruism argued by the author to be a tendency among both the lay public, professionals and politicians, a generalised assumption that contributes to the long standing and obstinate presence of abuse of adults who are at risk throughout England, particularly older people living in care and nursing homes. Design/methodology/approach By examining available figures that depict the continuing abuse of vulnerable adults, and by drawing on research, the author offers a partial explanation for the longevity of abuse in English society. Findings The paper demonstrates how the concept of the assumption of altruism can explain to a degree the apparent enduring levels of abuse of adults who are at risk. Practical implications The paper offers the opportunity for the reader to consider some of the fundamental, higher order reasons for the persistent levels of abuse in England, abuse that endures despite the oversight by government of care provided to adults who maybe at risk by virtue of the activities of the statutory regulator and health and social care commissioners. Originality/value By presenting the incontrovertible evidence of enduring abuse, the paper introduces the concept of the assumption of altruism as a partial explanation for its continuing occurrence despite decades of policy and practice guidance designed to overcome it.

scholarly journals A qualitative study of older people with minimal care needs experiences of their admission to a nursing home with Registered Nurse care

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice K. Stevens ◽  
Helen Raphael ◽  
Sue M. Green
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Older People ◽  
Registered Nurse ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care

Purpose – Residential care for older people in the UK includes care homes with and without 24-hour Registered Nurse (RN) care. Reduced autonomy and personal wealth can result when people assessed as having minimal care needs, enter and reside in care homes with RN care. The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of older people with minimal care needs admission to care homes with RN care. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative study using a grounded theory method was undertaken. In total, 12 care home with RN care residents assessed as not requiring nursing care were interviewed. Initial sampling was purposive and progressed to theoretical. Interviews were analysed using the grounded theory analysis method of constant comparison and theory development. Findings – Two main categories emerged: “choosing the path”, which concerned the decision to enter the home, and “settling in”, which related to adaptation to the environment. Findings suggested participants who perceived they had greater control over the decision-making process found it easier to settle in the care home. The two categories linked to form an emerging framework of “crossing the bridge” from independent living to care home resident. Research limitations/implications – The findings contribute to the understanding of factors influencing admission of older people with minimal care needs to care homes with RN care and highlight the importance of informed decision making. Practical implications – Health and social care professionals must give informed support and advice to older people seeking care options to ensure their needs are best met. Originality/value – This study enabled older people with minimal care needs admission to care homes with RN care to voice their experiences.

scholarly journals Quality improvement through the paradigm of learning

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 195-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trish Hafford-Letchfield ◽  
Peter Lavender
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Project Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Learning Interventions

Purpose – Achieving meaningful participation and co-production for older people in care requires radical approaches. The purpose of this paper is to explore an innovation where learning interventions were introduced into care settings and older people matched to community-based learning mentors to develop partnerships. The authors explore how the concept of learning might be used as a paradigm to raise the quality of care in institutionalised settings using a co-productive and relationship-based approach to promote wellbeing. Design/methodology/approach – A structured evaluation drew on qualitative data captured from interviews with older people (n=25) and learning mentors (n=22) to reflect on the potential benefits and challenges involved when introducing learning interventions in care settings. This was contextualised alongside data captured from stakeholders (n=10) including a care home manager, social care and education commissioners, trustees and project staff to assess the interdisciplinary contribution of lifelong learning to quality improvement. Findings – Introducing learning interventions to older people within care settings promoted participation, advocacy and relationship-based care which in turn helped to create a positive culture. Given the current challenges to improve quality in care services, drawing on a paradigm of learning may encourage older people to retain their independence as care homes strive towards a person-centred approach. Promoting social activities and leisure using learning was found to foster closer working relationships between older people and the wider community. These had a levelling effect through reciprocity, using an asset based approach. There were benefits for the care provider as the partnerships formed enabled people to raise both individual and collective concerns about care and support. Originality/value – Raising and sustaining the quality of support for older people requires input from the wider public sector beyond health and social care. Purposeful engagement with other disciplines such as learning and leisure offers the potential to realise a more sustainable model of user choice, person-centred support and user involvement. Being engaged through learning can nourish membership in the community for marginalised populations such as older people living in care homes.

Abuse in care? A research project to identify early indicators of concern in residential and nursing homes for older people

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Marsland ◽  
Peter Oakes ◽  
Caroline White
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Older People ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Organisational Cultures ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Early Indicators

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the prevention of the abuse of older people in residential and nursing homes, through the identification of “early indicators of concern”. Such indicators support practitioners in identifying services in which older people are at risk of abuse, neglect and ill treatment. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews were conducted with health and social care practitioners in two local authorities (in England and Scotland), who had visited services in which abuse or neglect had occurred. Practitioners were asked about the things that they had seen within the service which had caused them to become concerned. Findings – Over 90 early indicators of concern were identified. These indicators were grouped within six themes which identify key manifestations of service cultures which may promote the abuse of older people. Practical implications – Information and guidance has been developed to enable practitioners to recognise early indicators and identify services in which older people are at risk and in which actions are required to help prevent the onset of abuse. Originality/value – A range of studies have highlighted the importance of organisational cultures in promoting the abuse of older people. The early indicators identified through this research represent visible signs of such poor service cultures which can be observed by practitioners, enabling them to recognise services in which older people are at greater risk.

scholarly journals Differing perspectives on a role for technology in care homes to improve the lives of older people and the work environment of staff

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deidre Wild ◽  
Ala Szczepura ◽  
Clive Bowman ◽  
Angela Kydd ◽  
Richard Wallis
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Advancement ◽  
Fit For Purpose

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to place the future development of technology within the existing reality of the diversity of care homes. Design/methodology/approach – Using the findings from a learning exercise, the paper illustrates “diversity” in terms of the meaning staff, relatives, and residents attach to the words “care home”. This tri-partite approach provides a basis for exploring types of technology that could, if appropriately introduced, prove to be of benefit to the different users and staff. Findings – Technology is more likely to be “fit for purpose” when it has been developed jointly with those who work, live in, and who visit care homes. Costs and benefits will be issues to be taken into account. Research limitations/implications – A lack of research evidence on the role of technology in care homes was a key limitation. In future, research should adopt a co-production approach to technology development. Practical implications – The authors take a pragmatic stance that if due care is taken in preparations for and the introduction of technology, this would increase uptake of technology to meet different needs. Social implications – The paper makes the points that: older people can learn new technological skills; the concept of care homes as user-led is in accord with increased opportunity to engage residents in new technology. Technology in care homes while posing challenges also could prove to be a major lucrative market. Originality/value – By triangulating the perspectives of residents, relatives, and staff the authors hope to have presented a realistic and evidence-based overview of the potential for technology advancement in care homes.

Social appreciation for the improvement of tourism management of 20th-century heritage: a methodological proposal

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gema Ramírez-Guerrero ◽  
Javier García-Onetti ◽  
Juan Adolfo Chica-Ruiz ◽  
Manuel Arcíla-Garrido
Keyword(s):  
20Th Century ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Assets ◽  
Current State ◽  
The Social ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
The Creation

Purpose This paper attempts to fill the gap that exists in research regarding 20th-century heritage and its social appreciation. The purpose of this paper is to explore different ways of evaluating the heritage value and tourism potential and to propose an innovative model validated in the Zarzuela Hippodrome as an example of cultural asset from 20th century with important economic, social, cultural, aesthetic and architectural aspects. Design/methodology/approach This study opted for an interpretation of heritage from an ecosystem, integrating and global paradigm, understanding the asset as a set of resources that interact with each other, generating a common and enriched tourist experience among all the elements that make it up. From this perspective, it is conceived that by modifying one of the elements, the whole (tourist) ecosystem will be equally influenced. On the other side, it was incorporated non-parametric techniques based on the implementation of surveys for the validation of the tool to the case study of the Zarzuela hippodrome. Findings The results suggest that the hippodrome's internal values have been evaluated very positively, while its external values are low. Through this study, the paper has identified several weaknesses that impede its functioning as a viable “tourist product.” The distance from the city center, the lack of available information and the scarce diffusion and tourism promotion are its main weaknesses. The proposed analysis tool reveals the importance of the active participation of visitors to evaluate cultural assets through the combination of aspects related to the conservation of cultural assets and, in turn, elements that encourage their commodification as tourist products, break down barriers between these two disciplines. Research limitations/implications The management tool proposed in this study can be used to underpin the creation of tourism experiences in cultural or heritage assets by diagnosing the current state of its tourist potential, quantifying its value in relation to the visitors’ perception and making visible those problematic aspects to develop actions to solve them. Although the present study is support for future research, as well as for improving the marketing of heritage in tourist settings, an in-depth analysis of the technical elements of heritage, as well as of its intervention (if applicable), will be necessary for the managers who want to use the tool. Social implications One of the most differentiating characteristics between the construction typology of 20th-century historical buildings is perhaps the scarcity of decorative ornamentation, with exposed concrete being the main surface coating. Many of these constructions have an important cultural and historical relevance, however, the social perception, as regards its consideration as architectural and artistic heritage seems to reflect discordant aspects. This study provides support as a decision-making tool to determine the existing valuation of a building and how to enhance it. Originality/value This study takes steps toward the creation of a model that supports decision-makers and owners of cultural assets through a measurement system that makes it possible to quantify and determine the current state of tourism use through the social evaluation of heritage criteria. It defines which are the elements that favor the resilience of the property or, on the contrary, which are those that undermine its enhancement.

Challenges of Moksh Organization: an epitome of humanity

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikhil K. Mehta ◽  
Shubham Chourasia ◽  
Aswini Devadas
Keyword(s):  
Social Psychology ◽  
Business Communication ◽  
Prima Facie ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Social Stereotypes ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
The Social ◽  
Dead Bodies ◽  
Social Leadership

Theoretical basis This case uses concepts from Korten’s strategies of development-oriented four generations of non-government organizations (NGOs) and social psychology such as stereotypes, prejudices and actions to explain the social phenomenon. In furtherance, the case presents Aristotle’s approach to creating a message for masses that include use of ethos, pathos and logos. Stood’s (2017) narrative, engagement and technology (NET) model of social leadership was used to analyse the characteristics of social leaders. Research methodology Prima facie the case was developed from primary sources i.e. interviewing with Ashish Thakur. Literature from secondary sources was obtained to make teaching notes. List of references is presented towards the end that depicts the use of textbooks, research papers, websites and blogs. This case was tested in the classroom with MBA students learning business communication. Case overview/synopsis The case dealt with the challenges of an NGO that included conducting respectful last rites of unclaimed dead bodies. As the NGO grew, Ashish Thakur, the initiator of Moksh started facing resource management challenges, namely, volunteer induction, fundraising and managing non-human resources. These issues are deeply embedded in several social stereotypes about dead bodies. Learning covers strategies of four generations of NGO development, a NET model of social leadership, breaking social stereotypes related to dead bodies and last rites (necrophobia), designing social communication and opportunity to assess faulty rationalizations and do critical thinking around the socio-religious practices. Complexity academic level This case is intended to be used for the students of the social leadership or social entrepreneurship, social psychology, business communication or communication skills, organizational behaviour, advertising and social media.

Potential outcomes of work integration social enterprises for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or transitioning out of homelessness

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Barton ◽  
Hayley Porter ◽  
Susanne Murphy ◽  
Rosemary Lysaght
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Potential Outcomes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Integration

Purpose Social enterprise has the potential to serve as a mechanism of social and economic opportunity for persons experiencing homelessness. This paper aims to identify potential outcomes of work integration social enterprises (WISEs) for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or transitioning out of homelessness. Design/methodology/approach Searches of 14 databases were completed using keywords and subject headings pertaining to homelessness, social enterprise and employment, respectively. These searches were then combined to identify literature concerning WISEs with homeless populations. The initial search yielded 784 unique articles. Through screening, 29 articles were selected and independently coded to establish themes. Findings The analysis identified the potential for WISEs to contribute positively to the lives of the target population in the areas of connection to the community, employment skill building, mental health, personal agency and empowerment, relationship-building, structure and time use, financial stability and housing. There were less positive and mixed findings regarding substance use, crime/delinquency, physical health and transition to mainstream employment. Future research should further explore causal relationships between WISE approaches and strategies and their potential implications for persons emerging from homelessness. Originality/value Prior to this research, there have not been any recent publications that synthesize the existing body of literature to evaluate the potential outcomes of WISE participation for homeless populations. This paper lays the groundwork for future empirical studies.

scholarly journals The importance of a room with a view for older people with limited mobility

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 273-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Musselwhite
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Limited Mobility ◽  
Human Element ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Vantage Points ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how older people who are almost entirely housebound use a view from their window to make sense of the world and stay connected to the outside space that they cannot physically inhabit. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews with 42 individuals were carried out who were living at home, were relatively immobile and had an interesting view outside they liked from one or more of their windows. Findings The findings suggest that immobile older people enjoy watching a motion-full, changing, world going on outside of their own mobility and interact and create meaning and sense, relating themselves to the outside world. Practical implications Findings suggest that those working in health and social care must realise the importance of older people observing the outdoors and create situations where that is enabled and maintained through improving vantage points and potentially using technology. Originality/value This study builds and updates work by Rowles (1981) showing that preference for views from the window involves the immediate surveillance zone but also further afield. The view can be rural or urban but should include a human element from which older people can interact through storytelling. The view often contains different flows, between mundane and mystery and intrigue, and between expected and random.

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