Some caregivers(particularly spouses) may be at risk of harming a relative in home in their care. An article in the February, 2005 issue of the American Geriatrics Journal reports on a study which identifies harmful behaviors and risk factors.

The study reports that about one in four receipients of care indicated they were subjected to potentially harmful behaviors.

Behaviors included: screaming, swearing, harsh tone of voice.

Threats included:to send the receipient to a nursing home, to use physical force, to abandon the person.

Actual force such as hitting, shaking were also reported.

Risk factors included: Being a spouse(the greatest risk); the opportunity of being together most of the time; a caregiver who is experiencing physical and/or cognitive losses.

For more information go to: www.blackwellpublishers.co.uk/journal.asp?ref=0002-8614&site=1