Forholdet mellom eldreomsorg og menneskerettigheter : en litteratur-gjennomgang

Abstract

This paper is a literature study of human rights in elder care in Norway. The population of elderly is increasing, so also incidents of abuse and neglect. It’s estimated that about 4% of the elderly in Norway are victims of abuse. This is just an estimate; we don’t know the exact numbers. There are only few researchers who have done studies in this field here in Norway. Over the recent years there have been published a couple of government reports where human rights in elder care is discussed briefly. In Oslo we also have a resource centre (Kompetanse senter for voldsoffer arbeid) at the College in Oslo (Høyskolen i Oslo). The definition of abuse is broad; physical, financial, emotional, sexual and psychological abuse and neglect. Why are some elderly people exposed to abuse or neglect? Researchers seem to disagree about the reasons. It could be because we don’t have enough studies to make a conclusion. In spite the efforts made over recent years, the condition for a lot of elderly is very bad. More research and focuses is needed on this issue. There are many unanswered questions: How many elderly people are exposed to abuse or neglect? What make some elders victims while others have a normal or happy old age? And how can we prevent abuse or neglect among elderly people?