Experiences of Older Adults Experiencing Neglect in Darussalam, Aceh Besar District: A Qualitative Descriptive Case Study

Abstract

Introduction: Elder neglect is a form of passive violence that affects the fulfillment of older adults' physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs, thereby reducing their adaptive capacity and quality of life. Despite its serious consequences, the lived experiences of neglected older adults remain underexplored, particularly in Indonesia. Objective: This study aimed to explore the experiences of older adults experiencing neglect in the working area of the Darussalam Community Health Center, Aceh Besar district. Methods: This qualitative study employed a descriptive case study design involving three older adults aged 60–69 years who experienced neglect and met the inclusion criteria. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling after screening using the Self-Neglect-37 (SN-37) and cognitive assessment with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Data were collected through in-depth interviews and field notes and analyzed using thematic analysis following the six-step approach of Kiger and Varpio (2020). Trustworthiness was established through credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. Results and Discussion: Five themes emerged: needs that are difficult to fulfill, needs that can still be fulfilled, barriers to need fulfillment, motivation to seek help through social interaction, and support for meeting needs. The findings indicate that elder neglect affects older adults' adaptation and limits their ability to meet daily needs despite support from family, the community, and healthcare provider. Conclusion: Older adults experiencing neglect face multidimensional challenges in meeting their daily needs. Nursing interventions based on Roy's Adaptation Model are needed to strengthen adaptive responses, optimize need fulfillment, and improve their quality of life