Bullying Among Older Adults

“This book provides a foundation for understanding bullying behaviors among older adults . . . and [fills] an important gap in a topic where so few other resources are available.”


—Mercedes Bern-Klug, Ph.D., M.S.W., M.A., John A. Hartford Geriatric Social Work Faculty Scholar, and Director, Aging Studies Program, University of Iowa


“This much needed resource is well researched and full of practical tools that can be used by a wide range of practitioners. Anyone who works with older adults should keep this handy as a practical reference in their day to day work.”


—Judah L. Ronch, Ph.D., Dean and Professor, Erickson School, University of Maryland Baltimore County


Unbeknownst to many, bullying is not an experience limited to childhood, but is an epidemic occurring far too often among older adults as well. Studies have revealed the alarmingly high rate at which older adults in senior programs and care settings are bullied by their peers, resulting in profoundly negative effects on the elders, the staff, and the community in which it is occurring. Bullying Among Older Adults is the first resource to address this critical issue, providing the knowledge and tools to recognize bullying and develop constructive ways to intervene and prevent it.


As an expert on late-life bullying, author Robin Bonifas draws upon a growing body of research as well as the voices and actual experiences of the targets and perpetrators of bullying. She exposes the nature of this phenomenon and then presents positive, proactive ways for community-based or long-term care staff to minimize and prevent it from happening. Filled with practical resources and examples, this guide offers effective intervention strategies that including empathy training, empowerment strategies, bystander intervention, and more.


Special features:


• detailed, step-by-step anti-bullying interventions


• effective coping strategies to minimize negative consequences for those bullied


• pro-social activities to promote empathy


• specialized approaches for residents with dementia or mental illness


• learning activities, case studies, sample forms, and policy guidelines (also available as downloadable PDF files)


Bullying Among Older Adults will be an invaluable resource in creating an atmosphere of caring and respect among both residents and staff.