Analysis of Professionals' Perceptions of Suicide in Older Adults Living in Care Homes

Abstract

Suicide among older adults living in care homes is a major public health challenge. This study analyses the perceptions and attitudes of professionals working in care homes towards suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in this population. A total of 338 nursing home professionals from Spain participated in the study. A vignette‐based methodology was used, in which cases of suicidal ideation or suicide attempts were described, varying the gender of the actor. Responses to a questionnaire assessed perceived frequency, attention‐seeking behaviour, ageism, experienced anxiety, perceived risk and likelihood of future suicide.