Violence against dependent older people in Brazil: a multi-center study

This study analyzes narratives on violence against dependent older people in Brazil. We conducted a qualitative multi-center study in 2019 in eight municipalities: Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Fortaleza, Recife, Teresina, Manaus and Araranguá. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 193 people: 64 physically and/or cognitively dependent older people, 72 family caregivers, 27 formal caregivers, 20 health professionals and 10 managers. The data were analyzed using “narrative analysis”. The findings revealed abandonment, neglect and maltreatment. Violence was committed by family members and in the home environment. Consequences for the older persons included psychological suffering, physical illness and a decline in quality of life. Our results also highlight the importance of health professionals in the identification of violence, state negligence when it comes to care, and the implementation of specific public policies.