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Specifics of social work with the elderly at risk syndrome Elder Abuse and Neglect
KRÁLOVÁ, Iveta
This diploma thesis deals with problems of the Elder Abuse and Neglect Syndrome, that is abuse, mistreatment and neglect of senior citizens. The diploma thesis is divided into two parts - theoretical and practical. The theoretical part is further divided into nine chapters. Ageing, senescence as well as biological, mental and social changes are described in the first chapter. The next chapter is devoted to the phenomenon of ageism, its sources and manifestations of discrimination by caretakers. Domestic violence and its specifics are defined in the third chapter, where the myths of domestic violence are included as well. The fourth chapter deals extensively with the EAN syndrome. All possible sorts/types of the violence (i.e. physical, psychical, economical, sexual etc.) are described in this chapter. The following chapter is devoted to the root causes, risk factors, diagnosis and possible consequences of abuse and neglect of senior citizens. General profile of the victim/abuser, preventive measures and possible solutions of this phenomenon are described in this chapter too. General information about where to get help if needed can be found in chapter six. The last three chapters of this diploma thesis dwell on the social work with senior citizens, crisis intervention in person and crisis intervention by phone. The second part of this diploma thesis is of practical nature. The purpose of it was to find out whether selected social workers (caring professional staff) are well informed of and familiar with the EAN syndrome, whether they have direct experience with any abused elderly person, and what tools are being used when dealing with the studied phenomenon. I used the qualitative research design for the data gathering, the method of questioning and the technique of semi-controlled interview. The qualitative research was executed in the period of November 2012 to February 2013 in the form of semi-structured interview in Třebíč and in České Budějovice. The selected workers - social workers, caretakers and nurses - participated in the research conduct. The workers of selected facilities were chosen according to whether they fitted in with the elaborated framework of quota sampling. The final group was made up of 10 respondents (10 women). The respondents were between the ages of 35 to 55 years. The semi-controlled interview with selected social workers was made on the basis of predetermined questions in a fixed order. Outcomes of the interviews were processed in the form of interview analysis. After the processing of the results I found out, that all workers in selected facilities in Třebíč and in České Budějovice are not sufficiently aware of the problems of the EAN Syndrome. Furthermore, the research revealed that 8 out of 10 respondents had direct experience with mistreated, abused and neglected elderly person. Economic abuse was the most common one along with self-neglect and rude behavior from the caring staff. The last, third aim of the practical part of my diploma thesis was to find out what tools of social work are being used by workers when dealing with elderly persons suffering the EAN Syndrome. Interview was the most commonly used tool of social workers in selected facilities. The next tools are reporting the situation to the superior staff, getting in touch with experts in the field (i.e. psychologist, psychiatrist), social unions and the police. After the processing of the results I reached the conclusion. Despite the fact that selected workers face various kinds of abuse, mistreatment and neglect of elderly persons, they are insufficiently informed about the EAN Syndrome.
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Age as a phenomenon and disadvantages suppression of human rights and needs
RÁČKOVÁ, Monika
The main reason to choose my thesis on "Age as a phenomenon of discrimination and repression of human rights and needs" as a theme of my bachelor thesis are my own experiences that I gained during work experience and job offers in the home care for seniors and hospice. The theoretical part deals with periodization of old age, ageism and its resources, disadvantage of older people in the field of health, social services and employment. I pay attention to the psychosocial needs and rights of older people. The practical part of the thesis deals with the research itself. The aim of the research was to determine the handicaps of the seniors within the population and the possible manifestations of inappropriate treatment in the social services. For the purpose of verifying hypotheses, and meet the given objectives I have used a quantitative method of research evaluation - interviewing. I chose a printed questionnaire as an interrogation technique. There were evaluated 160 questionnaires in total. The sample was population in age between 60 to 90 and more years of district Breclav. The condition for selection of respondents was age greater than 60 years. The respondents were chosen randomly. The results are recorded in charts and tables. Pleasantly surprising for me was finding that seniors said they are not disadvantaged in the society. My bachelor thesis can serve pedagogues, constitutional workers in hospitals and hospices and carers of old people in families.
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