Resident aggression widespread in residential aged care
Two studies from Cornell University in the United States have reported that resident-on-resident aggression is nursing homes is widespread, with one study showing 10% of nursing home residents experiencing aggression from another resident.
The most common form of aggression was screaming, followed physical violence, such as pushing, punching and fighting.
Most respondents rated the events as moderately or extremely disruptive to daily activities.
In another study, 12 nurse-observers identified 30 episodes of resident-to-resident aggression in an eight hour shift. Seventeen of the incidents involved physical violence.
According to the literature, victims are more likely to be male, have behavioural problems like wandering and be cognitively impaired. The researchers have called for more research in the area.
