 Many countries have started to report serious issues with Abuse/Neglect in
nursing homes. Nursing homes are supposed to provide constant care and
attention to its residents. These residents are receiving poor care, even
though they are paying for caring service. Often, their requests remain
ignored and they are treated badly and without respect. Some have died due
to negligence. This kind of abuse can be hard to document and it tends to
be covered up by the staff and faculty.
Studies conducted by both the government and private organizations have
documented the neglect and abuse in many nursing homes. Time magazine noted
that at least 35,000 Americans in 1997 were dying before their time or
suffered unnecessary pain and discomfort.
Different Types of Abuse:
Physical
Physical pain or impairment due to striking (with or without an object),
beating, shoving, shaking, slapping, kicking, pinching and even burning.
Also, ill use of drugs and physical restraints, force-feeding and physical
punishment are also considered physical abuse.
Sexual
Non consensual sex acts of any kind with nursing residents. This can
include unwanted touching, sexual assault, rape, sodomy, coerced nudity or
nude photography.
Emotion or Psychological
Verbal or nonverbal acts which leave the patient in anguish, pain or
distress. Verbal assaults include threats, insults, intimidation,
humiliation or harassment. Note, also, that it is considered abuse to treat
a capable resident as a child, ignoring them, or isolating them from
activities, family members or friends.
Neglect
Any worker who refuses to fulfill their duties to a nursing facility's
residents through rejecting requests for food, water, help with personal
hygiene and clothing, safety or even comfort.
Abandonment
When a nursing home worker stops caring for a patient in his
responsibilities, it is considered abandonment.
Financial/
Material Exploitation
This is the illegal acquisition of funds, property or assets of a resident
in the nursing facility. From cashing a resident's check sans permission or
signature fraud to stealing money or other belongings, this is a serious
issue. This also includes deceiving or forcing a resident to sign a will or
document or papers dealing with guardianship or power of attorney.
Many lawsuits have been filed against these people who take advantage of the
unknowing. Sadly, these abuses are still rampant and must be stopped. It
must be known that these actions will not go unpunished. File a complaint
if you or anyone you know has encountered any of these types of abuses.
Considering the many seniors living in assisted care facilities, nursing
home neglect has been on a steady rise across the nation. As baby boomers
are entering the retirement age, it seems that instances of nursing abuse
and neglect are on the rise.
Much discussion has been had regarding the cause of nursing home neglect.
Perhaps it is the lack of qualified personnel to employ, the poor management
of the facility or the insufficient funds due to delayed insurance
payments. The rapid need for personnel forces facilities to hire
inexperienced staff at typically low wages. However, that is no excuse for
the rampant abuse found in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or home
care.
Your local police department should be contacted if you feel a family member
has been the victim of abuse. Be sure to document any and all evidence
regarding your abuse case and hire an attorney. Also, moving your loved one
out of the home is a wise decision. Let us stand together against the wrong
doings of nursing home abuse.
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