Abuse of people with dementia by family carers: representative cross sectional survey

TLDR

To determine the prevalence of abusive behaviours by family carers of people with dementia. A representative cross‑sectional survey of 220 family carers of people with dementia referred to secondary psychiatric services in Essex and London measured psychological and physical abuse using the revised modified conflict tactics scale. The study found that 52% of carers reported some abusive behaviour and 34% reported important levels, with verbal abuse most common and only 1.4% reporting occasional physical abuse.

Abstract

<b>Objective</b> To determine the prevalence of abusive behaviours by family carers of people with dementia. <b>Design</b> Representative cross sectional survey <b>Setting</b> Community mental health teams in Essex and London. <b>Participants</b> 220 family carers of people newly referred to secondary psychiatric services with dementia who were living at home. <b>Main outcome measure</b> Psychological and physical abuse (revised modified conflict tactics scale). <b>Results</b> 115 (52%, 95% confidence interval 46% to 59%) carers reported some abusive behaviour and 74 (34%, 27% to 40%) reported important levels of abuse. Verbal abuse was most commonly reported. Only three (1.4%) carers reported occasional physical abuse. <b>Conclusions</b> Abusive behaviour by family carers towards people with dementia is common, with a third reporting important levels of abuse and half some abusive behaviour. We found few cases of physical or frequent abuse, although those with the most abusive behaviour may have been reluctant to report it.